Description
Enjoy these simple and delicious Candied Carrots with natural sweetness and a touch of spice. This easy recipe creates tender carrots coated in a glossy glaze that balances savory and sweet flavors, making a perfect side dish for any meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and pairs well with roasted meats or grain bowls.
Ingredients
Carrots
- Fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces – 1 pound
Glaze
- Plant-based butter – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar (natural) – 3 tablespoons
- Ground cinnamon (natural) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh orange juice – 1/4 cup
- Natural gelling agent – 1 teaspoon
- Sea salt – pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into uniform slices or batons to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster and absorb the glaze more effectively.
- Cook Carrots Until Tender: Place the carrots in a skillet with water and a pinch of sea salt, then simmer gently until just tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly to avoid a watery glaze.
- Create the Candied Glaze: In the same skillet, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar (natural), ground cinnamon (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and fresh orange juice. Whisk gently to combine and warm until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly after adding the natural gelling agent.
- Combine Carrots with Glaze: Add the cooked carrots back into the skillet and toss gently to coat them fully with the thickened glaze. Cook together for 3-5 minutes, allowing the carrots to soak up the flavors and become glossy.
- Final Touches: Season with a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature for a perfect comforting side dish.
Notes
- Choose fresh carrots for better taste and texture.
- Cut carrot pieces uniformly for even cooking and presentation.
- Do not overcook carrots; aim for tender yet firm texture.
- Taste the glaze as you go and adjust sweetness with sugar or juice as preferred.
- Use a wide pan to help evaporate moisture and thicken the glaze properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied carrots, side dish, natural sweetness, plant-based, vegetarian, quick recipe, gluten free, autumn, easy vegetables
