Description
This Easy Candied Carrots recipe features tender, bright orange carrots coated in a glossy, sweet glaze made from natural brown sugar, plant-based butter, and a hint of cinnamon. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tang from apple cider vinegar coupled with savory notes from vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This versatile side dish pairs excellently with a variety of main courses and is a favorite for its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and delightful flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and sliced into half-inch pieces
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup natural brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon natural apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Carrots: Peel and slice the carrots into uniform pieces about half an inch thick to ensure even cooking and glazing.
- Cook the Carrots Until Tender: Place the sliced carrots in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well to prevent a watery glaze.
- Make the Sweet Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Stir in the natural brown sugar, natural apple cider vinegar, natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and ground cinnamon. Cook and stir until the sugar dissolves and creates a syrupy glaze.
- Combine and Glaze: Add the drained carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the glaze. Sprinkle a pinch of natural gelling agent to thicken the glaze, cooking gently for another 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce clings beautifully to the carrots.
- Serve Warm: Once the glaze is glossy and carrots are tender, remove from heat. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for optimum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Slice carrots evenly for consistent cooking and glazing.
- Do not overcook; keep carrots tender but slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust the natural gelling agent carefully to achieve a shiny glaze without stickiness.
- Taste the glaze before coating carrots to balance sweetness and tang.
- Use fresh carrots and spices for the best flavor and vibrant final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied carrots, glazed carrots, sweet glazed carrots, plant-based side dish, quick vegetable side, vegetarian side dish
