Mint-Glazed Carrots And Peas
A vibrant side dish featuring sweet carrots and peas coated in a refreshing mint glaze, perfect for spring dinners or family gatherings seeking fresh, flavorful vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook carrots in boiling water, enough to cover, for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine butter, sugar, and mint sauce in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until sugar dissolves.
- Gently stir in carrots and peas. Cook over low heat, uncovered, for 6 minutes or until carrots are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant dish, consider using fresh mint instead of jellied mint sauce if available. You can also substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor. If you're looking to reduce sugar, try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mint-Glazed Carrots and Peas as a colorful side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted poultry. They pair well with a light salad, like Joan Coleman'S Three Bean Salad, for a refreshing meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a quinoa salad for a wholesome balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals until heated through, ensuring they don't overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mint-Glazed Carrots And Peas contains roughly 148 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used in this recipe. Just blanch them briefly in boiling water before adding them to the dish to ensure they're tender and bright in color. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, depending on the freshness of the peas.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace margarine with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil. Ensure that the jellied mint sauce is also vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain animal products. This makes it a delightful addition to vegan recipes.
What other herbs can I use besides mint?
If you're looking to experiment, fresh basil or dill can be excellent substitutes for mint, providing a different yet delightful flavor profile. For a more traditional approach, a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary could also enhance the dish's flavor, making it versatile for various palates.
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).