Description
A quick and easy side dish featuring tender carrots glazed with brown sugar, butter, and fresh thyme. This recipe transforms simple vegetables into a sweet, savory, and addictive dish in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds carrots (baby carrots or large carrots cut into uniform sticks/coins)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
Instructions
- Wash carrots thoroughly. If using baby carrots, trim ends. If using large carrots, peel and cut into uniform half-inch sticks or coins.
- Add carrots, water, and butter to a large skillet. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Uncover the pan. If excess water remains, boil for 1 minute to evaporate.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and fresh thyme over the carrots. Stir gently to coat.
- Keep heat on medium and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces to a glossy, sticky glaze.
- Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure carrots are cut uniformly for even cooking. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for better aroma. If the glaze burns, lower heat immediately or add a splash of water. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 2
Keywords: brown sugar glazed carrots, easy side dish, 15 minute recipe, carrots with thyme, vegan side dish, gluten free side