Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas

It’s funny how the simplest dishes can sometimes become the most beloved in our household. Take these Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas, for example. Initially, I whipped them up as a quick side dish one busy weeknight, thinking it would just be ‘another vegetable’ on the plate. But wow, were we surprised! The natural sweetness of the carrots, amplified by the luscious honey glaze, paired perfectly with the tender peas. Even my notoriously picky eater (my youngest, Liam) devoured them, asking for seconds – a true victory in my book! Since then, these Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas have become a regular feature at our dinner table, often requested by name. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver a burst of flavor that complements almost any main course. If you’re looking for a simple yet sensational side dish that’s both healthy and delicious, you absolutely must try this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even among vegetable skeptics!

Ingredients

• Carrots: 1 pound, peeled and sliced into ½ inch thick rounds. Fresh carrots are best for their sweetness and vibrant color, providing a slightly firm texture that softens beautifully during cooking.
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup. Frozen peas are incredibly convenient and retain their sweetness and bright green color. They cook quickly and add a lovely pop of freshness to the dish.
• Honey: 3 tablespoons. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. Honey not only adds sweetness but also a subtle floral aroma and helps create a beautiful glaze.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter adds richness and helps the glaze cling to the vegetables. It also contributes to a lovely golden-brown color.
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon, low sodium. Soy sauce adds a savory depth and umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey and carrots, preventing the dish from becoming overly sweet. Low sodium is recommended to control the saltiness.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon. Garlic powder provides a subtle savory background note, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and is essential for balancing the sweetness.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground. Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle spice and aromatic warmth, complementing the sweetness and savory notes of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish, optional). Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish and provides a beautiful visual appeal.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Carrots: Begin by peeling your carrots thoroughly. Once peeled, slice them into rounds approximately ½ inch thick. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Aim for consistent thickness for the best texture and presentation.
2. Sauté the Carrots: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the butter is melted and slightly shimmering, add the sliced carrots to the skillet. Sauté the carrots for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This initial sautéing process helps to soften the carrots slightly and brings out their natural sweetness before glazing. You’ll notice them starting to become slightly tender and their color will become more vibrant.
3. Add Glaze Ingredients: In the skillet with the sautéed carrots, pour in the honey and soy sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated in the honey-soy mixture. The combination of honey and soy sauce will create a flavorful and slightly sticky glaze as it cooks down.
4. Simmer and Glaze: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the carrots simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Cooking with the lid on helps to trap steam and allows the carrots to soften through gentle steaming and simmering in the glaze. Check the carrots for tenderness by piercing them with a fork; they should be easily pierced but still have a slight bite. Remove the lid and increase the heat back to medium. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing the glaze to thicken and beautifully coat the carrots. This step is crucial for developing that signature sticky and glossy honey glaze that makes this dish so irresistible. Be careful not to burn the glaze; keep stirring and adjust the heat if needed.
5. Add Peas: Once the carrots are glazed to your liking, add the frozen peas to the skillet. Stir them into the glazed carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and bright green. Frozen peas cook very quickly, so they only need a few minutes to thaw and warm up. Overcooking peas can make them mushy and lose their vibrant color.
6. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to your preference. Transfer the Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful and flavorful side dish.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximately 4 servings per recipe. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

• Serving Size: Approximately ¾ cup
• Calories: 130 kcal (Provides energy for daily activities. This is a moderate calorie count for a side dish, making it a healthy addition to your meal.)
• Total Fat: 4g (Includes healthy fats from butter, which are important for nutrient absorption and satiety.)
• Carbohydrates: 22g (Primarily from the natural sugars in carrots, peas, and honey. Provides dietary fiber and energy.)
• Protein: 2g (Contributes to muscle maintenance and overall body function. Peas are a good source of plant-based protein in this dish.)
• Vitamin A: High (Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (This includes peeling and slicing the carrots. The recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (The total cooking time is relatively short, ensuring a fast and efficient side dish.)
• Total Time: 30 minutes (From start to finish, this recipe is ready in just half an hour, perfect for a last-minute addition to your dinner.)

How to Serve

These Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Alongside Roasted Meats:
  • Roasted Chicken: The sweetness of the glaze complements the savory richness of roasted chicken perfectly.
  • Roast Beef: A classic pairing! The glazed vegetables add a touch of sweetness to balance the hearty flavors of roast beef.
  • Pork Tenderloin: Honey glazed carrots and peas enhance the delicate flavor of pork tenderloin.
  • Roasted Turkey: A wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving or holiday turkey dinner.
• With Grilled Dishes:
  • Grilled Salmon: The sweetness of the glaze contrasts beautifully with the richness of grilled salmon.
  • Grilled Chicken Breast: Adds a flavorful side to simple grilled chicken.
  • Grilled Steak: Provides a bright and sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors of grilled steak.
• As part of a Vegetarian Meal:
  • Quinoa or Couscous: Serve over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a complete and balanced vegetarian meal.
  • Lentil Loaf: Pairs wonderfully with a hearty lentil loaf for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
  • Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie: Add these glazed vegetables as a side to a vegetarian shepherd’s pie for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Holiday Side Dish:
  • Easter Dinner: The bright colors and sweet glaze make it a festive addition to an Easter meal.
  • Christmas Dinner: A welcome vegetable side dish amidst richer holiday fare.
  • Thanksgiving: Provides a lighter, sweeter vegetable option to balance heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
• Weeknight Family Dinner:
  • Meatloaf: A classic comfort food pairing that everyone will enjoy.
  • Baked Ham: Honey glazed carrots and peas complement the sweetness of baked ham.
  • Chicken Pot Pie: Serve as a side to chicken pot pie for a complete and comforting meal.
• Buffet or Potluck Contribution:
  • Potlucks: Travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and gatherings.
  • Buffets: An attractive and flavorful addition to any buffet spread.
• Elevate Simple Meals:
  • Simple Pasta Dishes: Serve alongside a simple pasta with butter and parmesan for a more complete meal.
  • Omelets or Frittatas: Add a serving of these glazed vegetables to an omelet or frittata for a flavorful and nutritious breakfast or brunch.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas

1. Choose the Right Carrots: Opt for fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture. Baby carrots can be used for convenience, but slicing larger carrots into rounds allows for better caramelization and a more appealing presentation. Consider using different varieties of carrots like rainbow carrots for a more colorful and visually appealing dish.
2. Don’t Overcook the Carrots: The goal is to achieve tender-crisp carrots, not mushy ones. Keep an eye on them during the simmering and glazing process. Test for doneness with a fork; they should be easily pierced but still retain a slight bite. Overcooked carrots can lose their sweetness and become less appealing in texture.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Honey is the star of the glaze, but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with 2 tablespoons of honey and taste before adding more. You can also use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different flavor profile, though honey provides a unique floral note that complements the carrots beautifully.
4. Enhance with Spices and Herbs: While garlic powder adds a subtle savory note, feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs to customize the flavor. A pinch of ginger powder, a dash of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of dried thyme or rosemary can add warmth and complexity. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can also be used instead of parsley for garnish, providing different aromatic nuances.
5. Make it Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil. Olive oil will impart a slightly different flavor, but still works well. Ensure your soy sauce is also vegan, as some brands may use honey in their production process (though this is less common).
6. Add a Touch of Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and cut through the sweetness of the glaze. This adds a layer of complexity and prevents the dish from being overly sweet. Start with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and adjust to taste.
7. Toast Sesame Seeds for Garnish: For added texture and a nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish along with the parsley. Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
8. Make it Ahead and Reheat: Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas can be prepared ahead of time. Cook them according to the instructions, then let them cool slightly before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the glaze. Avoid overheating, as this can make the peas mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh carrots?
A: While fresh carrots are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. However, frozen carrots tend to be softer and may not hold their shape as well as fresh carrots during cooking. If using frozen carrots, you may need to reduce the initial sauté time and be mindful of not overcooking them during the simmering and glazing process. They will also release more water, so you might need to cook the glaze down for a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency.

Q2: Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
A: Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey. Maple syrup will impart a slightly different flavor, with a richer, caramel-like note compared to the floral sweetness of honey. Use the same amount of maple syrup as honey in the recipe. Agave nectar is another alternative, offering a milder sweetness than honey or maple syrup.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can add other vegetables like green beans, snap peas, or broccoli florets. Add vegetables that require longer cooking times (like broccoli or green beans) along with the carrots. Add quicker-cooking vegetables (like snap peas) along with the frozen peas at the end. Consider roasting root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes alongside the carrots for a more substantial side dish.

Q4: How do I store leftovers and how long will they last?
A: Store leftover Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or vegetable broth during reheating can help to prevent them from drying out and loosen the glaze.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. Soy sauce is typically made with wheat, but tamari soy sauce is a gluten-free alternative. Always check the label to ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free if necessary. All other ingredients in the recipe – carrots, peas, honey, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley – are naturally gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Honey Glazed Carrots & Peas ahead of time for a party. Cook them according to the instructions and then let them cool slightly before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat them in a skillet or oven until warmed through. You may want to add a fresh garnish of parsley just before serving to brighten them up.

Q7: Can I make this spicier?
A: Yes, you can easily add a touch of spice to this dish. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder for a gentle heat. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze for a more pronounced spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference.

Q8: What if I don’t have garlic powder? Can I use fresh garlic?
A: Yes, you can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and sauté them in the butter for about 30 seconds to 1 minute before adding the carrots. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Fresh garlic will provide a more pungent and robust garlic flavor compared to garlic powder. If you don’t have either, you can omit the garlic altogether, and the dish will still be delicious, though it will lack that savory garlic note.

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