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To make Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots, you will need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in the dish's flavor. Here is the list of ingredients: - 1 lb baby carrots, peeled - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients blend together to create a sweet and savory taste. Baby carrots are tender and sweet, while garlic adds depth. Fresh herbs bring brightness, and lemon zest gives a nice kick. This mix makes for a tasty side dish that pairs well with many meals. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. Honey adds a subtle sweetness, which balances the garlic. Fresh thyme and parsley are great for adding herbal notes. Make sure to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. They will enhance the overall flavor of your Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots. Enjoy the process of cooking with these great ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the baby carrots under cool water. Use a peeler to remove their skins. If you have larger carrots, cut them into uniform sticks. This helps them cook evenly. Next, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring the salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the baby carrots. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. After cooking, drain the carrots and set them aside. Now, let's make the garlic butter. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic. In the skillet, add the cooked carrots. Toss them gently in the garlic butter. This coats them well. Then, sprinkle in the fresh thyme and parsley. Drizzle in the honey and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well. Zest the lemon over the mixture for bright flavor. Continue to sauté the carrots in the garlic butter for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally for even heating. Once the carrots are nicely coated and warm, remove them from heat. Serve them right away for the best taste. To make great garlic butter, I focus on two things: not burning the garlic and balancing the herbs. - Preventing garlic from burning: I always use medium heat for the butter. Garlic cooks fast, so I stir it often. If it turns too dark, it can taste bitter. You want it golden, not brown. - Adjusting flavors with herbs: Fresh herbs bring life to your dish. I love using thyme and parsley, but feel free to mix them up. If you like basil or dill, those work too! Just chop them finely and add them at the end. Choosing and prepping your carrots can change the dish's taste and look. - Choosing the right carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and tender. If you use larger ones, pick firm, bright carrots. They should feel heavy for their size. Freshness matters! - Cooking techniques for different types of carrots: For baby carrots, boiling works great. For larger carrots, cut them into sticks. This helps them cook evenly. You can also roast them for a nice caramelized flavor. Want to add more excitement to your dish? Here are some ideas. - Using alternative herbs: If you want a different twist, swap the thyme for oregano or tarragon. Each herb gives a unique taste. Experiment until you find your favorite! - Adding spices for extra flavor: A pinch of chili flakes can add heat. You can also try garlic powder for more depth. Just remember to start small; you can always add more! Pro Tips Uniform Size: Ensure that all carrots are cut to the same size for even cooking. Butter Temperature: Use room temperature butter for easier melting and better incorporation with garlic. Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the carrots while boiling; they should be tender yet still have a slight crunch. Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh herbs rather than dried ones, and add them at the end to retain their vibrant taste. {{image_2}} You can change the butter type in this recipe. Try olive oil for a lighter taste. It adds a unique flavor and is a great option for health. You can also add other veggies. Peas or green beans pair well with the carrots. They add color and crunch, making the dish even more fun. To make your dish even better, experiment with herbs and spices. Rosemary or dill can give new tastes. You can also swap honey for maple syrup. It will add a sweet twist that makes the dish stand out. You can cook these carrots in different ways. Use a skillet for a quick dish. It gives the carrots a nice, crispy finish. Oven roasting is another option. It brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots. You can also use cilantro or dill instead of thyme and parsley for a fresh twist. These herbs change the flavor while keeping it delicious. To keep your Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method helps lock in flavor and moisture. Store the container in the fridge. They can last up to four days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze them. First, let the carrots cool completely. Next, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. Frozen carrots can last for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. The best method is using a skillet over low heat. Add a little butter to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. This way, you keep the great flavor intact. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the carrots soggy. If you must use a microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to help keep moisture. Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots can last about four days in the fridge. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look slimy, it’s best to toss them. Freshness is key to enjoying this tasty side dish. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! To prepare baby carrots, wash and peel them well. If you have larger carrots, cut them into sticks. This helps them cook evenly. Make sure to keep them similar in size for best results. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They are quick and easy. Just remember to thaw them first. You may need to adjust the cooking time since frozen carrots can cook faster. Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots pair well with many dishes. They go great with roasted chicken or grilled fish. You can also serve them with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. To make this dish vegan, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. You can also replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This keeps the flavor while making it plant-based. Yes, you can use dried herbs. However, use less since dried herbs are stronger. A good rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. This keeps the flavor balanced. Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots are a great and simple dish. We covered ingredients, preparation, and tips to make them shine. You can use fresh thyme and parsley for flavor. Remember to choose the best carrots for the best results. Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. With these steps and variations, you'll impress everyone at your table. Enjoy making your Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots next time!

Garlic Butter Herbed Carrots

A delicious side dish of tender baby carrots sautéed in garlic butter with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb baby carrots, peeled
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 zest lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preparation: Start by washing and peeling the baby carrots. If using larger carrots, cut them into uniform sticks.
  • Boil Carrots: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the baby carrots and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the carrots and set aside.
  • Make Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden—be careful not to burn it.
  • Combine Ingredients: In the skillet with the garlic butter, add the cooked carrots and toss them gently to coat in the garlic butter.
  • Add Herbs and Seasoning: Sprinkle in the fresh thyme, parsley, and honey. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix well. Add lemon zest for a bright flavor kick.
  • Sauté: Continue to sauté the carrots in the garlic butter for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Serve: Once the carrots are nicely coated and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

For a sweeter flavor, adjust the amount of honey to taste.
Keyword carrots, garlic butter, herbs, vegetable side