Make Ahead Citrus Carrots
Brighten up your table with these Make Ahead Citrus Carrots, a vibrant and flavorful side dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts. Tender carrots are bathed in a luscious citrus glaze made with fresh orange juice, honey, and a touch of lemon, then finished with a sprinkle of fragrant parsley for a pop of color. This recipe is designed for convenience—you can prepare it up to two days in advance, making it an ideal choice for stress-free entertaining. With its irresistible balance of sweet and tangy flavors and a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, these glazed carrots are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Serve them warm alongside roasted meats or enjoy them as a vibrant vegetarian side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Carrots
- 0.5 cups Orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
Instructions
Peel the carrots and slice them into uniform rounds or sticks, about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, add the carrots and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender but still slightly firm. Do not overcook.
Drain the carrots and immediately transfer them to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them sit for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the orange juice, honey, lemon juice, orange zest, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the cooked carrots to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the citrus glaze. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are heated through and fully coated.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the carrots with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Allow the carrots to cool completely if making ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When ready to serve, reheat the carrots gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
423 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.8 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.0 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1230 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.3 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 53 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 526 mg | 11% | |
*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.
