Fragrant Carrot Puree
A fragrant, smooth carrot puree infused with orange blossom water and vanilla, perfect as a delicate side dish or comforting vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrape the carrots and slice them thinly.
- Peel the onion and slice it thinly.
- Combine the sliced carrots and onion in a saucepan and add just enough water to cover.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and cook until the vegetables are very soft.
- Drain the water from the vegetables and place them in a food processor or blender.
- Add butter or margarine, orange flower water or orange juice, vanilla, skim evaporated milk, light brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Puree until smooth and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the puree. You can substitute the orange flower water with fresh orange zest if unavailable. If you prefer a creamier texture, use whole milk instead of skim evaporated milk. Ensure the carrots are sliced evenly to allow for uniform cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fragrant carrot puree as a vibrant side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with Nan'S Roasted Potatoes for a comforting meal. You can also serve it as a spread on crusty bread or as a base for a vegetarian dish, complementing Mediterranean recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover carrot puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fragrant Carrot Puree contains roughly 215 calories, with 0g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this puree ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot puree a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.
Is there a way to make this puree vegan?
Absolutely! To make the carrot puree vegan, substitute the butter or margarine with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk instead of skim evaporated milk.
What can I serve with this carrot puree?
This carrot puree is versatile and can be served with various dishes. It complements grilled meats, especially chicken or fish, and can be a lovely side to vegetarian options like stuffed peppers or a hearty salad like Betsy'S Pasta Salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).