Ah, carrots – those vibrant orange gems of the vegetable world! Who would have thought they could transform into such a sweet, sticky delight with just a drizzle of honey? This recipe is like a little dance between savory and sweet, and trust me, even the pickiest eaters at the table will find themselves enchanted. It’s kind of like that time when everyone suddenly loved kale, right?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) for a standard oven or 200°C (400°F) for a fan oven.
- Slice the carrots diagonally into pieces approximately 4cm (1.75 inches) long, halving the thicker sections so they are evenly sized.
- In a bowl, combine the carrot pieces with brown sugar, melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the carrot mixture evenly on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, toss the carrots and continue roasting for an additional 10 minutes until they are tender and have caramelised edges.
- Toss the roasted carrots in the remaining glaze on the tray and sprinkle with parsley if desired before serving warm.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2 lb) carrots, peeled
- 1/4 cup (40g) loosely packed brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 955 | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 2070mg | Potassium: 3270mg | Carbohydrates: 150g | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 100g | Protein: 10g | Vitamin A: 167775IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 385mg | Iron: 3.5mg
FAQ
- What types of carrots work best for this glazed carrot recipe?
- Any variety of carrots can be used, whether they are baby, dutch, standard, or multi-colored. Just make sure to cut larger carrots to a similar size for even cooking.
- How long do you need to roast carrots for them to become caramelised?
- Roast the carrots in a hot oven at 220C/425F for approximately 25 minutes to achieve caramelised edges without the carrots becoming too soft.
- Can glazed carrots be prepared on the stove instead of roasting?
- While roasting enhances the flavor best, a stove-top version can be made if oven space is limited. This method will not achieve the same caramelisation but is a good alternative.
- Are the glazed carrots overly sweet, and can the sweetness be adjusted?
- The recipe uses 1/4 cup of brown sugar for 1 kg/2 lb of carrots, making it quite sweet. You can reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
- Is it possible to prepare glazed carrots in advance?
- Yes, you can make them ahead. Cook the carrots until they are tender-crisp, then store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days. Reheat them in the microwave when ready to serve.
Tips
- Balance Butter with Oil: Use a mix of butter and oil to roast the carrots. The butter enhances the flavor, while the oil prevents it from burning at high temperatures, ensuring perfectly caramelized edges.
- Cut Carrots Evenly: To ensure even cooking, slice the carrots on the diagonal into uniform pieces. This helps them roast evenly and achieve the desired caramelization without becoming overly soft.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the dish too sweet, reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon. This still provides a beautiful glaze without overpowering the natural flavor of the carrots.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the carrots in advance by roasting them until they are tender-crisp. Store them in the fridge for 2 to 5 days, then reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.
Equipment
- Roasting Pan or Baking Sheet – A high-quality, non-stick roasting pan or baking sheet to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp chef’s knife for cutting the carrots into uniform pieces.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of mixing bowls for tossing the ingredients together.
- Silicone Spatula or Tongs – For tossing the carrots during roasting and ensuring even caramelization.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for optimal roasting results.
