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Flavorful Honey Glazed Carrots with Fresh Thyme

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A quick and easy side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with honey and infused with fresh thyme, balancing sweetness and herbaceous notes perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices or baby carrots
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (about 1 tablespoon fresh leaves), stripped from stems
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the carrots into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds or use baby carrots whole. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Strip the thyme leaves by holding a sprig at one end and running your fingers downward to remove leaves from the woody stem. Set aside 2 teaspoons of leaves. (2 minutes)
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons honey. Stir gently until combined and bubbling slightly, forming a smooth and glossy mixture. (3-4 minutes)
  4. Add the sliced carrots to the pan, stirring to coat evenly with the honey-butter glaze. Listen for a sizzle indicating caramelization is starting. (1 minute)
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the carrots. Stir once to combine. (1 minute)
  6. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the carrots steam for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking, until tender but still slightly firm. (8-10 minutes)
  7. Remove the lid and increase heat to medium-high. Let the liquid reduce until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. (3-4 minutes)
  8. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss gently. (1 minute)
  9. Serve warm immediately. (Serve within 5 minutes for best flavor)

Notes

Use moderate heat to prevent honey from burning. Stir frequently during glaze reduction. For vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water and stir gently. Even slicing ensures uniform cooking. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey glazed carrots, fresh thyme, easy side dish, quick carrot recipe, healthy side, vegan option, gluten-free, buttery carrots

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/flavorful-honey-glazed-carrots-with-fresh-thyme-recipe-easy-and-perfect-side-dish/