Name: Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans (1 pound): Choose firm, bright green beans, snapped or trimmed at the ends. Fresh green beans provide a satisfying snap and vibrant color to the dish.; Carrots (1 pound): Select medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into uniform rounds or batons. Carrots bring sweetness and a beautiful orange hue to the vegetable mix.; Butter (2 tablespoons): Unsalted butter adds richness and helps to create a luscious glaze. It also aids in browning the vegetables slightly.; Honey (3 tablespoons): The star of the glaze! Honey provides natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish to the vegetables. Use your favorite variety for nuanced flavor.; Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Low-sodium soy sauce adds a savory depth and umami complexity to balance the sweetness of the honey. It enhances the overall flavor profile.; Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic, minced, infuses the glaze with aromatic pungency and savory notes. It complements both the honey and soy sauce beautifully.; Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): Optional, but highly recommended. Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbaceousness and aromatic lift to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. Dried thyme can be substituted, using about ½ teaspoon.; Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables and the glaze. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its bolder taste.; Water (2 tablespoons): Helps to create the initial steam for cooking the vegetables and later aids in dissolving the honey and creating the glaze.

Ingredients

Fresh Green Beans (1 pound): Choose firm, bright green beans, snapped or trimmed at the ends. Fresh green beans provide a satisfying snap and vibrant color to the dish.
Carrots (1 pound): Select medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into uniform rounds or batons. Carrots bring sweetness and a beautiful orange hue to the vegetable mix.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Unsalted butter adds richness and helps to create a luscious glaze. It also aids in browning the vegetables slightly.
Honey (3 tablespoons): The star of the glaze! Honey provides natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish to the vegetables. Use your favorite variety for nuanced flavor.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Low-sodium soy sauce adds a savory depth and umami complexity to balance the sweetness of the honey. It enhances the overall flavor profile.
Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic, minced, infuses the glaze with aromatic pungency and savory notes. It complements both the honey and soy sauce beautifully.
Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped): Optional, but highly recommended. Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbaceousness and aromatic lift to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. Dried thyme can be substituted, using about ½ teaspoon.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables and the glaze. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its bolder taste.
Water (2 tablespoons): Helps to create the initial steam for cooking the vegetables and later aids in dissolving the honey and creating the glaze.

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing the green beans and carrots thoroughly. Snap or trim the ends of the green beans. Peel the carrots and slice them into uniform rounds, about ¼ inch thick, or cut them into batons for a different shape. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh thyme (if using). Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will streamline the cooking process.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wide pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the sliced carrots and green beans to the pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This initial sautéing step helps to slightly soften the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness, while also allowing them to take on a bit of buttery flavor. You’ll notice the vegetables starting to brighten in color.
Add Garlic and Thyme (Optional): After the vegetables have sautéed for a few minutes, add the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme (if using) to the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should just become aromatic. The garlic and thyme infuse the butter and vegetables with their delicious flavors, creating a more complex and aromatic base for the glaze.
Create the Honey Glaze: Pour the honey and soy sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated in the honey-soy mixture. The heat will help to melt the honey and combine it with the soy sauce, creating a beautiful, glossy glaze. The soy sauce will add a crucial savory element that balances the sweetness of the honey and prevents the dish from being overly sweet.
Simmer and Glaze: Reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the skillet, and let the vegetables simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender-crisp and the green beans are bright green and slightly softened, but still retain a bit of bite. Simmering allows the vegetables to cook through gently and absorb the flavors of the glaze. Keep an eye on the pan to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn. If it seems to be reducing too quickly, you can add a tablespoon or two of water.
Uncover and Thicken Glaze (If Needed): Remove the lid from the skillet and increase the heat slightly to medium. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and coat the vegetables beautifully. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can cook for a little longer, but be careful not to overcook the vegetables. The goal is for a glossy, slightly sticky glaze that clings to the carrots and green beans.
Season and Serve: Season the honey glazed carrots and green beans with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper as needed to enhance the flavors. Transfer the vegetables to a serving dish and serve hot as a delicious and flavorful side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for added freshness and visual appeal, if desired

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 150
Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 4