Ingredients
- Fresh Carrots (1 pound): Choose firm, bright orange carrots. They provide a sweet and earthy base for the glaze and are packed with vitamins.
- Fresh Green Beans (1 pound): Opt for crisp, vibrant green beans. They offer a lovely snap and fresh flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrots.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. Butter adds richness and helps the glaze coat the vegetables beautifully.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Choose a good quality honey. Honey provides natural sweetness and a lovely floral note that enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to avoid overpowering the dish with saltiness. Soy sauce adds a savory umami depth that balances the sweetness and richness.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Garlic powder provides a subtle savory and aromatic background flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your preference, especially if using regular soy sauce.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a touch of spice and depth to the dish. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the carrots and green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends off the green beans. Peel the carrots and slice them into diagonal pieces about ¼ inch thick. Slicing the carrots on a bias increases the surface area, allowing them to cook more evenly and absorb more of the glaze.
- Blanch the Green Beans (Optional but Recommended): Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and are slightly tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the green beans to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. Drain well and set aside. Blanching the green beans ensures they retain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture when sautéed with the carrots. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best results.
- Sauté the Carrots: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender-crisp. Sautéing the carrots first allows them to soften slightly before adding the green beans, as carrots typically take longer to cook.
- Add Green Beans and Glaze Ingredients: Add the blanched green beans (if using, or raw green beans if skipping blanching) to the skillet with the carrots. Pour in the honey and soy sauce. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Glaze and Simmer: Stir everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated in the glaze. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots and green beans are tender-crisp and the glaze has thickened slightly, coating the vegetables beautifully. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the glaze to thicken and become sticky and delicious. If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer uncovered for a minute or two at the end, stirring constantly, to reduce the sauce further.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a drizzle more honey to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Serve: Transfer the Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g