20 Apr 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 cup water
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp tarragon (estragon)
4 cups carrots
Glazed baby carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that can complement a wide range of meals. This recipe combines tender carrots with a sweet, buttery glaze, and a hint of tarragon for a subtle herbaceous note.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Thoroughly wash the baby carrots under running water. If necessary, peel them to remove any rough skin.
2. Start Cooking:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine one cup of water, two tablespoons of butter, and one teaspoon of sugar.
- Place the skillet over medium-high heat and allow the butter to melt. Stir occasionally to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Add the Carrots:
- Once the butter has melted and the mixture begins to simmer, add the baby carrots to the skillet.
- Stir to coat the carrots evenly with the buttery, sugary mixture.
4. Simmer and Glaze:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Let the carrots cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots should become tender but still retain a slight crunch.
5. Add Tarragon:
- Once the carrots are tender, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to medium.
- Add one tablespoon of tarragon to the pan, stirring well to distribute the herb evenly.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and turn into a glaze that coats the carrots.
6. Final Touch:
- Check the consistency of the glaze. It should be thick enough to stick to the carrots. If it's too thin, cook a bit longer, stirring frequently until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Taste the carrots and adjust seasoning if needed. You may add a pinch of salt or a bit more sugar based on your preference.
7. Serve:
- Remove the glazed baby carrots from the heat and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish to complement your meal.
Tips:
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the glaze.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 teaspoon or even omit it altogether.
- Make sure to use fresh, young carrots for the best texture and flavor. Peel them to ensure a smooth and uniform glaze.
- If you want to make the dish ahead of time, cook the carrots slightly underdone and complete the glazing step just before serving.
- Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of sea salt for added color and taste.
By following these straightforward steps, you can create a delightful serving of glazed baby carrots that your family and guests will love. The combination of sweetness and aromatic tarragon makes this dish a perfect side for any occasion.