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Savory Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots with Fresh Thyme

savory brown sugar glazed carrots - featured image

A quick and easy side dish featuring carrots glazed with brown sugar and fresh thyme, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed), preferably dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1 sprig for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) water or vegetable broth (optional, for steaming)

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice 1 pound (450g) of carrots into evenly sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter.
  3. Add the carrots to the skillet and stir to coat them well in the melted butter.
  4. Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) water or vegetable broth, then cover the skillet with a lid.
  5. Steam the carrots for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly firm.
  6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brown sugar evenly over the carrots, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Stir well to coat all the carrots and allow the sugar to melt and form a glossy glaze.
  8. Add 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme and cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to thicken the glaze without burning.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
  10. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired and serve warm.

Notes

If glaze starts to stick or burn, lower heat and add a splash of water to loosen. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Fresh thyme should be added near the end to preserve flavor. Uniform carrot slicing ensures even cooking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed carrots, fresh thyme, side dish, easy recipe, quick carrots, savory carrots, glazed vegetables