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- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water - Fresh parsley for garnish When I make brown sugar glazed carrots, I start with the main ingredients. Baby carrots work best, but regular carrots are fine too. Just peel and cut them into sticks. The butter adds richness, while brown sugar gives sweetness. Next, I include spices. The cinnamon adds warmth, and nutmeg brings a hint of earthiness. Salt and black pepper help balance the flavors. For liquids, I use vegetable broth or water. This helps cook the carrots and create a glaze. Fresh parsley at the end brightens the dish with color and flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a tasty side dish that everyone will love! Melting the butter Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. This butter will give the carrots a rich flavor. Preparing the carrots You can use baby carrots or regular carrots. If you use regular carrots, peel them and cut them into sticks. Aim for uniform sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Combining butter with carrots Once the butter is melted, add the carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat each piece with butter. This step is key for flavor. Adding brown sugar and spices Sprinkle 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg over the carrots. Stir well to mix the sugar and spices evenly. This will create a sweet, warm coating. Pouring in vegetable broth Next, carefully pour in 1/4 cup of vegetable broth. You can also use water if you prefer. Stir briefly to combine everything. Covering and simmering Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. This will help the carrots become tender. Thickening the glaze After the carrots are soft, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. This will help the glaze thicken and become glossy. You want it to be sweet and sticky. How to check for doneness To check if your carrots are done, pierce them with a fork. They should be tender but still firm. If they feel soft and mushy, you've cooked them too long. Aim for a nice balance of softness that keeps some crunch. Tips for caramelization For perfect caramelization, keep an eye on the heat. After simmering, raise the heat to medium-high. This helps the glaze thicken, turning it from a sauce to a sticky coating. Stir often to prevent burning and to make sure each carrot gets that sweet glaze. Adjusting seasoning Taste your carrots before serving. If they need more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper. You can also add a bit more brown sugar for extra sweetness or cinnamon for warmth. Adjust to your taste! Using fresh herbs for garnish Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Just sprinkle some on top before serving. You can also try thyme or chives for different flavors. Fresh herbs can take your carrots to another level. Stovetop vs. oven baking You can make these glazed carrots on the stovetop or in the oven. The stovetop lets you control the cooking better and is quicker. If you prefer roasting, toss your carrots in the glaze and roast them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. Just make sure to stir them halfway through. Using other types of carrots While baby carrots are easy, you can use any carrots you like. Regular carrots, cut into sticks, work great too. You can even try rainbow carrots for a fun twist. Just remember to keep the pieces uniform for even cooking. {{image_4}} You can switch up the sweeteners in this recipe. Honey adds a nice floral note. Maple syrup gives a rich, earthy flavor. Both work well in place of brown sugar. For those watching sugar intake, consider using a stevia blend. It can provide sweetness without the extra calories. You can easily add dried fruit for a burst of flavor. Raisins or cranberries bring sweetness and chewiness. They pair well with the glaze. Nuts can also enhance texture. Walnuts or pecans add crunch and depth. Just chop them before mixing in. If you want a vegan option, use plant-based butter. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. For gluten-free needs, check your vegetable broth. Most broths are gluten-free, but it's good to verify. These changes make the dish suitable for various diets. To store leftover carrots, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent moisture loss. Stored this way, your glazed carrots will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. The best ways to reheat glazed carrots are in a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Heat over medium-low. Stir often to keep them moist. For the microwave, place the carrots in a bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. This helps avoid drying out the carrots. You can freeze cooked glazed carrots to enjoy later. Let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them using a skillet or microwave for the best taste. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into uniform sticks. This helps them cook evenly. Regular carrots have great flavor and will work well in this recipe. To thicken the glaze, cook the carrots uncovered for a few extra minutes. This allows the liquid to reduce and become syrupy. You can also add a bit more brown sugar for extra sweetness. These carrots pair well with many dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish. They also complement rice or quinoa nicely, adding a sweet touch to your meal. Yes, you can prepare the carrots ahead of time. Cook them and let them cool, then store in the fridge. Reheat them in a skillet before serving. This makes meal prep easier and saves time on busy days. In this article, we covered making brown sugar glazed carrots. We discussed the key ingredients, from sweet carrots to rich spices. I provided step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your glaze, and tasty variations. Remember, you can adjust flavors to suit your taste. These carrots add joy to any meal. Enjoy making this dish, knowing it will impress everyone at the table. With simple storage tips, you can savor them later too. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Indulge in the delightful taste of Sweetly Glazed Brown Sugar Carrots, a simple yet savory side dish perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines tender carrots with creamy butter, brown sugar, and warm spices to create a mouthwatering glaze that will impress your guests. Ready in just 25 minutes, these carrots are sure to become a family favorite. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into uniform sticks)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup vegetable broth or water

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, creating a fragrant base for your carrots.

    Once the butter has melted, add the baby carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently in the butter, ensuring each carrot is well-coated for maximum flavor.

      Sprinkle the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg over the carrots. Stir vigorously to ensure even distribution of the spices and sugar, creating a flavorful coating.

        Carefully pour the vegetable broth (or water) into the skillet. Stir the mixture briefly and bring it to a gentle simmer, which will help to soften the carrots and infuse them with the sweet flavors.

          Cover the skillet with a lid and let the carrots simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking, until the carrots are tender but not mushy.

            After the carrots are cooked, remove the lid and raise the heat to medium-high. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize beautifully, enhancing the overall sweetness.

              Season the glazed carrots with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting according to your taste preferences.

                Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the vibrant glazed carrots to a serving dish, showcasing their glossy finish.

                  For a finishing touch, garnish the dish with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | Serves 4