Jack Straw Carrots
Sweet and tender carrots cooked in Crisco with onions and parsley, finished with warm milk—perfect as a comforting side dish for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and scrape the carrots; cut them lengthwise into thin strips.
- Put Crisco in a frying pan; add the carrots, chopped onion, chopped parsley, sugar, and salt.
- Cover the pan and let simmer until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes, turning frequently with a spoon.
- Drain off excess Crisco; pour milk into the pan and stir well.
- Heat the mixture until the milk is hot and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh, young carrots as they are sweeter and more tender. If you don't have Crisco, you can substitute with butter or olive oil for a different taste. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your carrots. Adding garlic or a splash of lemon juice can elevate the dish further. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Union Pacific Griddle Cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jack Straw Carrots as a vibrant side dish to grilled chicken or fish. They also pair wonderfully with roasted meats. For a complete meal, consider serving with Doris' Nutritious Muffins for added texture and nutrition. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jack Straw Carrots contains roughly 31 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1186mg per serving (52% 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?
While fresh carrots provide the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen carrots if necessary. Just be aware that they may release more water during cooking, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don't become mushy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by substituting Crisco with a plant-based oil like coconut or avocado oil and replacing milk with almond or oat milk. The flavors will still be delightful while keeping the dish plant-based.
What can I do if I don't have milk?
If you're out of milk, you can use vegetable broth or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk to maintain moisture and flavor. This will add a unique twist to the recipe while ensuring the carrots remain tender.
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).