Looking for a side dish that is both simple and delicious? These Sweet Garlic Carrots are the perfect combination of tender, sweet carrots and garlicky goodness, creating a dish that is not only easy to make but also full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special holiday meal, these carrots will be a crowd favorite!
This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots while balancing it with the savory richness of garlic, making them a perfect complement to nearly any main course. And the best part? You can make them in under 30 minutes, making this dish a quick and easy solution for busy cooks. So, let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick and Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Naturally Sweet – The carrots bring out their natural sweetness when sautéed with garlic and butter.
✔️ Versatile – Pairs well with a wide variety of meats, such as roast chicken, steak, or even pasta dishes.
✔️ Family-Friendly – A side dish that’s not only healthy but also loved by kids and adults alike.
✔️ Healthy & Flavorful – Packed with nutrients from the carrots, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
- 500g carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 9g)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a warm spice flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for a tangy touch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
- Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform rounds or sticks. Try to keep the pieces similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer, you can also use baby carrots, but they may take a bit longer to cook.
Step 2: Cook the Carrots
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. If you’re using olive oil, heat it in the same way.
- Add the sliced carrots to the skillet, stirring them to coat in the melted butter.
- Cook the carrots for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. You want them to still have a little bit of crunch at this stage.
- If you prefer softer carrots, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Flavorings
- Once the carrots are tender, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the honey (if using) and ground cinnamon for an extra layer of sweetness and warmth. Stir everything together until the carrots are well coated in the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- For a bright finish, drizzle with lemon juice (optional) just before serving.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the carrots to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, garlicky goodness!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sugar: 12g (if using honey)
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Vitamin A: 184% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 9% of the DV
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Sweet Garlic Carrots
🔥 Even Slices – To ensure the carrots cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform pieces. This helps the flavors develop and ensures that every bite is tender and flavorful.
🔥 Add Spice – For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring a slight kick to the dish.
🔥 Make It Vegan – Swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
🔥 Cook in Batches – If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the carrots in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
🔥 Customize the Sweetness – Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference. If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can add more honey, or for a less sweet result, omit it entirely.
🔥 Double the Recipe – These carrots are so delicious that you might want to make extra! They’re great for meal prep and store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fun Variations
🍯 Maple Garlic Carrots – Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer, more earthy sweetness.
🌿 Herb-Infused Carrots – Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano while cooking the carrots for a fresh herbal twist.
🍋 Citrus Garlic Carrots – Add orange zest or grapefruit juice to give a citrusy boost to the sweetness of the carrots.
🍄 Mushroom & Garlic Carrots – Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet during the cooking process for extra texture and umami flavor.
How to Store & Reheat
🧊 Store in the Fridge – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat – Gently reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the carrots.
❄️ Freeze for Later – These carrots can be frozen for up to 2 months. After freezing, reheat in the oven or stovetop for best results.
Leave a Reply