Glazed Carrots With Honey Saffron Butter

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This Glazed Carrots With Honey recipe features a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty elements. From the vibrant petite carrots to the luxurious saffron-infused honey glaze, each ingredient contributes to a side dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Regarding side dishes, glazed carrots are a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe takes them to a new level. Imagine tender, sweet carrots caramelized to perfection with a delightful nutty twist. These glazed carrots are the epitome of restaurant-quality dining, with the added touch of saffron and pine nuts. While it may sound fancy, making these elegant carrots is simpler than you’d think. So, let’s dive into the world of glazed carrots with honey saffron butter and toasted pine nuts!

Ingredients Glazed Carrots With Honey Recipe

  • Petite Carrots (1 lb, in a Variety of Colors): Petite carrots bring a sweet and tender profile, enhanced by their vibrant colors.
  • Chicken Broth: Chicken broth forms the savory foundation, infusing the carrots with a rich and hearty undertone.
  • Saffron (Pinch): A pinch of saffron elevates the dish with its distinctive floral and earthy notes, adding complexity to the glazed carrots.
  • Honey: Honey introduces natural sweetness, creating a luscious glaze that enhances the carrots’ inherent flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter imparts a creamy richness, contributing to the velvety texture of the glazed carrots.
  • Salt and White Pepper: Salt enhances the overall flavor balance, while white pepper adds a mild heat, creating a nuanced and well-seasoned dish.
  • Pine Nuts: Pine nuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the tender carrots and adding textural contrast.
  • Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon imparts warm and comforting notes, enhancing the sweetness of the honey and the overall flavor profile.

The Magic of Saffron in Cooking:

Saffron is a spice derived from delicate flower threads. Dried saffron threads add flavor and infuse a golden hue into various dishes. A culinary staple in Indian, European, and Middle Eastern cuisines, saffron is renowned for its unique floral aroma and earthy taste. In dishes like Spanish paella, saffron imparts a vibrant yellow color, elevating the visual appeal and flavor profile.

There are two primary methods of using saffron in your cooking. You can add the threads directly to your dish or grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. Grinding saffron enhances flavor and color, ensuring an even infusion into your creations. Some recipes may require soaking saffron threads in oil or water for uniform distribution of flavors, allowing you to unlock the full potential of this magical spice in your culinary endeavors.

How to Make Glazed Carrots

Now, let’s get to the star of the show: Glazed Carrots With Honey recipe. Trust me; this dish is as delightful as it gets. You have two fantastic methods to choose from.

Stovetop Method:

  • Start by cooking your carrots in butter, infusing them with rich flavor.
  • Season them to perfection and add chicken stock to enhance the taste.
  • As the carrots become tender and flavorful, apply the honey butter glaze.
  • This glaze transforms the carrots into a sweet and sticky masterpiece.

Oven Method:

  • If you prefer a toasty, lightly browned texture, roast your carrots in the oven.
  • You won’t need the broth for cooking, so fewer ingredients are involved.
  • Once the carrots are perfectly roasted, prepare the sauce separately and drizzle it over the carrots before serving.

No matter your chosen method, the result is a dish that balances sweetness, flavor, and a delightful nutty touch, making it perfect for any occasion.

Pairings: Side Dishes for Your Glazed Carrots

  • Fattoush Salad: A refreshing mix of crispy vegetables, herbs, and toasted pita bread dressed in a tangy sumac vinaigrette.
  • Greek Salad: A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and olive oil.
  • Vegetarian Dolma: Stuffed grape leaves or bell peppers with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, often served with yogurt sauce.
  • Grilled Kofta: Deliciously spiced ground meat skewers, a fantastic addition for meat lovers.
  • Baked Drumsticks: Succulent chicken drumsticks roasted to perfection with your choice of seasonings.

These side dishes provide a delightful contrast in flavors and textures, making your meal a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience. Whether you choose one or a combination of these sides, they will complement your glazed carrots beautifully. Enjoy!

How to Make Glazed Carrots With Honey Saffron Butter

Preparation

1.
Start by grinding the saffron thread in a mortar to crush it into finer particles.
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2.
In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 oz of unsalted butter. Add the petite carrots and let them cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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3.
Sprinkle the cinnamon, salt, and white pepper over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated with the spices.
Mix in the crushed saffron with 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer. Allow the carrots to cook until they become semi-tender, and most of the chicken broth has evaporated. This should take approximately 30 minutes.
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4.
Remove the cover, and add the remaining 2 oz of unsalted butter and the honey to the skillet. Stir well to coat the carrots with the honey butter glaze.
While the carrots are glazing and developing a beautiful golden brown color, add the pine nuts to the side of the same pan. Toast the pine nuts until they become lightly browned and fragrant.
Enjoy your sweet, nutty, and aromatic glazed carrots!
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5.
What to Serve With Glazed Carrots?
Glazed carrots taste amazing on the side of some roasted or grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The light, sweet flavor of the carrots compliments a heavy meat dish and makes the meal more interesting. This vegetable side dish is the perfect healthy side that will keep you full for longer. If you want to serve these glazed carrots as a full meal, you can also lay them on a bed of hummus. I have served these glazed carrots with hummus many times, and my family truly loves it. This dish is super simple. All you have to do is dip the carrots into the hummus and take a bit full of deliciousness.
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Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
1 lb petite carrots in a variety of colors
1 cup chicken broth
pinch of saffron (about ⅛ of a teaspoon )
1 tablespoon honey
4 oz unsalted butter (measure 2 oz of serving separately)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon white pepper
2 tablespoons pine nuts
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

1
Start by grinding the saffron thread in a mortar to crush it into finer particles.
2
In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 oz of unsalted butter. Add the petite carrots and let them cook for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Sprinkle the cinnamon, salt, and white pepper over the carrots, making sure they are evenly coated with the spices. Mix in the crushed saffron with 1 cup of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer. Allow the carrots to cook until they become semi-tender, and most of the chicken broth has evaporated. This should take approximately 30 minutes.
4
Remove the cover, and add the remaining 2 oz of unsalted butter and the honey to the skillet. Stir well to coat the carrots with the honey butter glaze. While the carrots are glazing and developing a beautiful golden brown color, add the pine nuts to the side of the same pan. Toast the pine nuts until they become lightly browned and fragrant. Enjoy your sweet, nutty, and aromatic glazed carrots!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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