Description
Sweet honey caramelizes these Honey Roasted Carrots into golden-edged perfection. Simple Mediterranean herbs and rich butter create a simple side dish that elevates humble carrots into a gourmet experience you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (907 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme or fresh parsley
Cooking Liquid:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal roasting. Carefully peel and trim carrots into uniform 2-inch chunks, slicing thicker pieces lengthwise to guarantee even cooking.
- Transfer carrots to a large mixing bowl, generously coat with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Arrange carrots in a single, uncrowded layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to promote proper caramelization.
- Roast carrots in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, rotating the tray midway through cooking. Look for tender texture and golden-brown edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
- Simultaneously create the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Incorporate honey and cayenne pepper, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for several minutes, which intensifies the flavor profile.
- Gently transfer roasted carrots into the prepared glaze, carefully coating each piece with the honey-butter mixture. Finish by garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Choose carrots that are similar in size to ensure even roasting, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, making the roasting process smoother.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for personalized spice level.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative, maintaining the sweet caramelized flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg