Herbed Carrots
Herbed carrots are a flavorful side dish featuring tender quartered carrots cooked in butter with fresh herbs, ideal for a comforting family meal or elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, water, and sugar.
- Add the quartered carrots to the saucepan.
- Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Season the carrots to taste.
- Sprinkle with snipped parsley and crushed dried tarragon.
- Do not drain; serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried; fresh tarragon can elevate the dish significantly. If you're out of butter, olive oil works as a great substitute, providing a different but delicious flavor profile. To ensure even cooking, cut the carrots into uniform sizes. This recipe can also be adapted for other vegetables like green beans or zucchini if you want to explore vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these herbed carrots alongside roasted meats, such as chicken or beef, for a colorful and flavorful plate. They also pair beautifully with Greek Butterball Cookies for dessert, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving with a grain like quinoa or couscous to soak up the buttery sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herbed carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the carrots mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Carrots contains roughly 445 calories, with 50g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (268% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% 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 use frozen carrots instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender. Make sure to check for doneness and adjust your cooking time accordingly, as frozen vegetables often release more moisture.
What can I use instead of tarragon if I don't have any?
If you don't have tarragon, you can substitute it with dill or thyme for a different herbal note. While the flavor will change slightly, these herbs will still complement the carrots nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture before cooking the carrots. This will give the dish a delightful heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the carrots.
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).