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Best Ever Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Carrots

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A quick and elegant side dish featuring tender carrots coated in a rich, glossy glaze made with brown sugar, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar. This recipe transforms humble vegetables into a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds medium carrots, peeled and cut into uniform batons or rounds
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash, peel, and cut carrots into uniform pieces (batons recommended).
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch carrots for 3-4 minutes until bright orange and slightly tender but still crunchy.
  3. Drain carrots immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming but not brown.
  5. Add brown sugar and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until dissolved and bubbling.
  6. Carefully pour in the bourbon and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw alcohol taste.
  7. Add the blanched carrots to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the glaze thickens and clings to the carrots.
  9. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, pepper, and fresh thyme if using.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Notes

Do not let the brown sugar burn; keep heat at medium. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper caramelization rather than steaming. The apple cider vinegar is crucial to balance the sweetness. If skipping blanching, add water to the pan and cover to steam carrots, though texture will differ. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed carrots, easy side dish, bourbon recipe, glazed carrots, holiday side dish, vegetarian side dish

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/best-ever-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-carrots-easy-side-dish/