Honey-Glazed Carrots (classic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots with thyme are a classic side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and earthiness to your table. The vibrant orange of the carrots, enhanced by a glossy honey glaze, makes for a visually appealing dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the aromatic notes of fresh thyme, creating a harmonious balance that complements a variety of main courses.
Historically, carrots have been cultivated for thousands of years, originally grown for their leaves and seeds rather than their roots. The sweet orange variety we know today was developed in the Netherlands in the 17th century, and it quickly became a staple in kitchens around the world. Honey, on the other hand, has been used since ancient times as a natural sweetener and preservative, making it a perfect partner for these tender vegetables.
To prepare this dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. The combination of honey and butter creates a rich glaze that clings to the carrots, while thyme adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the dish. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these honey-glazed carrots are sure to impress. Just be careful not to eat them all before they reach the table—after all, sharing is caring!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large skillet, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. Make sure to peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to foam and bubble, which indicates it’s hot enough to start cooking the carrots.
- Add the prepared carrots to the skillet, stirring them gently to coat them in the melted butter. Sauté the carrots for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and turn a vibrant orange.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of honey, stirring to combine it with the carrots. The honey will create a sweet glaze that will enhance the natural flavors of the carrots.
- Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. The thyme adds a lovely aromatic quality that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the carrots to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should become tender and the glaze will thicken.
- To check for doneness, pierce a carrot piece with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy. If they need more time, continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once the carrots are tender and the glaze is thick, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
- Transfer the honey-glazed carrots to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Garnish with a few extra thyme leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Carbs g: 30
- Protein g: 1
- Fat g: 5
- Sugar g: 20
