Description
Spicy-sweet cinnamon glazed carrots bring warmth from classic American kitchens to your dinner table. Golden carrot slices caramelize with buttery cinnamon glaze, creating a simple side dish that delights both family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) carrots, peeled and sliced (or baby carrots)
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers and Cooking Agents:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed for steaming)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Submerge whole carrots in rapidly bubbling water, allowing them to simmer for approximately 6 minutes until they reach a tender yet crisp consistency. Carefully drain and transfer to a waiting platter.
- Select a spacious skillet and allow butter to melt gracefully over medium thermal intensity. Incorporate brown sugar, ground cinnamon, delicate salt, and warming nutmeg, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glistening liquid.
- Gently introduce the prepared carrots into the aromatic glaze, ensuring each vegetable receives a luxurious coating. Rotate the carrots periodically, permitting them to absorb the rich, sweet essence for roughly 3 minutes.
- Enhance the glaze with a whisper of vanilla extract, infusing an additional layer of complexity to the sauce. The liquid should develop a glossy, translucent appearance that clings elegantly to the carrots.
- Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish, allowing the caramelized sugars to catch the light. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley across the top, introducing a vibrant green contrast to the amber-hued vegetables.
- Present immediately while the carrots remain warm, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of sweet, spiced flavors and tender texture.
Notes
- Perfectly boil carrots by testing their tenderness with a fork, ensuring they remain slightly crisp and vibrant orange.
- Choose fresh, organic carrots for the best flavor and natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon glaze.
- Enhance the recipe’s versatility by substituting butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option or using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a lower-refined sugar alternative.
- Create a nutrition boost by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg