Low Cholesterol Sunshine Carrots
A vibrant, sweet-glazed carrot dish with pineapple accents, perfect as a healthy side for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked and sliced carrots in a greased baking dish.
- Drain the pineapple and reserve the juice.
- Add the pineapple to the carrots and mix well.
- Combine the reserved pineapple juice with brown sugar, tapioca, and salt, stirring until dissolved.
- Pour the juice mixture over the carrot and pineapple mixture and dot with margarine.
- Cover the dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the carrot mixture. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative that measures like sugar. You can also use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a more vibrant taste. Ensure you cook the carrots just until tender to maintain a nice texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a protein such as grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a light salad for a refreshing meal. It also complements other vegetable sides like steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a complete feast, consider serving it with Holly Berry Punch for a delightful drink pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Cholesterol Sunshine Carrots contains roughly 785 calories, with 0g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% 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 dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based margarine instead of corn oil margarine. Additionally, check the pineapple can to ensure there are no added animal-derived ingredients.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, you could sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or mix in some chopped jalapeños with the carrots. Adjusting the sugar can balance the heat, so taste as you go.
What other vegetables can I use?
You can mix in other vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips for added sweetness and nutrition. Just be sure to cook them to a similar tenderness as the carrots before baking for even cooking.
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).