Description
Candied Carrots are a vibrant and sweet side dish with a glossy, luscious glaze made from simple pantry staples. Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe balances natural sweetness and subtle savory notes with a touch of tang, making it an ideal accompaniment to many meals. The tender-crisp carrots coated in a shiny plant-based butter and brown sugar glaze are finished with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks or rounds
- 2 tablespoons butter (plant-based)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel and cut the carrots into uniform sticks or rounds to ensure even cooking and a pleasing texture. Rinse well under cold water and set aside.
- Start the Glaze: In a sturdy pan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and water. Stir gently to combine everything into a smooth mixture.
- Cook the Carrots: Add the carrots to the glaze, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and let them cook in the simmering glaze, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking, until the carrots are tender but still firm to the bite.
- Add the Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle a small amount of the natural gelling agent into the pan, stirring quickly to integrate it into the sauce. This will help thicken the glaze, giving Candied Carrots a beautiful, shiny coat.
- Finish and Garnish: Once the glaze has thickened to your liking and the carrots are perfectly tender, remove from heat. Toss in fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible shine and flavor.
Notes
- Cut carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking and ideal texture.
- Use medium heat and gentle stirring to prevent caramel from burning.
- Add the natural gelling agent gradually for optimal glaze thickness.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving to maintain their vibrancy.
- Choose fresh carrots for the best sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: candied carrots, sweet glazed carrots, easy side dish, plant-based carrots, vegan side dish, quick vegetable recipe