Brighten up your table with "Bright Carrots," a vibrant and delicious side dish that pairs tender, diagonally sliced carrots with a luscious honey-orange glaze. This quick recipe, ready in just 25 minutes, combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the zesty kick of fresh orange juice and zest, all balanced by a touch of salt and black pepper. Gently simmered and tossed in a buttery glaze, these carrots shine with a glossy finish and are beautifully garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness. Perfect for holiday spreads or weeknight dinners, "Bright Carrots" is a crowd-pleasing, nutrient-packed dish that complements everything from roasted chicken to hearty vegetarian mains.
Wash, peel, and trim the carrots. Slice them diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick pieces for an elegant presentation.
In a large saucepan, add the sliced carrots and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pan with a lid and let the carrots simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the water and set the carrots aside.
In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the honey and orange juice, stirring to combine.
Add the orange zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir the glaze and let it cook for about 1 minute to slightly thicken.
Return the cooked carrots to the saucepan and toss them gently in the glaze, ensuring all the pieces are well coated.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are glossy and heated through.
Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Serve warm as a delightful side dish that complements any main course.
Calories |
524 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.4 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.2 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1539 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.3 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.2 g | ||
| Protein | 5.4 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 1704 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.