Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Hey there foodies! Today we’re diving into the delicately sweet world of Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots. This exquisite dish is perfect for livening up your dinner table, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a fancy weekend supper, or the grandest of holiday feasts. Just imagine these aesthetically appealing, scrumptiously glossy, perfectly cooked carrots bursting with the flavor of honey and tang of balsamic. It’s a party in your mouth that you would not like to miss!

Not just the taste, the way this dish marries the natural sweetness of carrots with aromatic balsamic vinegar and succulent honey; is pure genius and heaven for the palate. The recipe is pretty straightforward, simple to whip up and the visuals appeal of the dish can wow your guests and secure your reputation as the ultimate home chef. You see the double win here, right?

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: Approximately 2 lbs of glazed carrots

Without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into making these Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots that will make everyone at your table ask for seconds.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 kg Carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

You’ll also need a baking pan to roast the carrots and a stove-top pan for making the glaze.

The balsamic vinegar gives the dish a tangy kick, the honey brings natural sweetness, and the extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth texture. For a low-sodium diet, one could use a sodium-free salt substitute. And if you are vegan, agave syrup works excellent as a honey substitute.

How To Make Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400F (200C) while you prepare the carrots. Clean, peel, and slice the carrots.
2. Toss the carrots in olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, lay them on a baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Heat balsamic vinegar in a pan and add minced garlic. Slowly stir in the honey, cooking until the sauce thickens.
4. Remove the carrots from the oven and drizzle the balsamic honey glaze over them. Toss to ensure all carrots are coated, then return them to the oven for another 5-7 minutes or until they’re tender.
5. Allow the glazed carrots to cool a bit before serving, as the glaze will thicken and stick better to the carrots.

Tips For The Best Results

• The thickness of each carrot slice should be approximately the same to ensure uniform cooking.
• Watch the glaze closely as it thickens to prevent it from burning.
• Allow the carrots to cool before serving to ensure the glaze thickens and sticks better.

Storage Tips

• The glazed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, pop them in a microwave or heat gently in a pan over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?
A: Most certainly! Just reduce the roast time accordingly.

Q: Can I use other types of vinegar?
A: Yes, however balsamic vinegar gives the best flavor.

Q: What main dishes do these pair well with?
A: They pair perfectly with roast chicken or grilled salmon.

Q: Can I add other spices or herbs?
A: Feel free to experiment. Thyme or rosemary might work well.

Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, just reheat them in the oven before serving.

Nutritional Facts of Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Each serving contains approximately 130 calories, 2g protein, 30g carbs (11g sugars), 3g fat, 2g fiber and is high in Vitamin A and Potassium.

In conclusion, these Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots not only offer a visually appealing, taste-bud tingling experience, but also pack a nutritional punch. Serve these along with succulent roast chicken or a juicy grilled steak and you just took your culinary skills to the next level. Happy cooking and enjoy!