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Melting Carrots

Melting Carrots
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Melting carrots is a simple yet elegant side dish that transforms tender, fresh carrots into buttery, sweet, and richly flavored morsels through slow cooking in butter, brown sugar, and aromatics. This easy recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth texture and luscious glaze, perfect for enhancing any meal from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh carrots, peeled and cut into even chunks or slices
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup water or vegetable/chicken stock

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for garnish
  • Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (to sauté with butter)
  • Zest of ½ lemon for brightness
  • Butter substitute such as olive oil or vegan butter for a vegan version
  • Herb variations: rosemary, sage, or dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into evenly sized chunks or slices to ensure they cook uniformly and present nicely.
  2. Melt Butter and Brown Sugar: Place a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, and stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved, creating a rich, sweet base.
  3. Add Carrots and Liquid: Add the cut carrots to the skillet and pour in enough water or stock to cover the bottom of the pan without submerging the carrots entirely.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the carrots simmer gently, cooking slowly for about 20 to 30 minutes depending on their size, until they become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove the lid to allow excess liquid to evaporate, letting the butter and sugar glaze coat the carrots with a glossy finish. Sprinkle fresh herbs or add seasonings before serving.

Notes

  • Cut carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Maintain low heat to prevent burning the butter or drying out the carrots.
  • Use brown sugar rather than white sugar to achieve the signature caramelized richness.
  • Butter is essential for the creamy mouthfeel characteristic of melting carrots.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their bright flavor and vibrant color.

Nutrition

Keywords: melting carrots, tender carrots, buttery carrots, carrot side dish, easy vegetable recipe, glazed carrots, carrot recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/melting-carrots/