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This orange glazed carrots recipe is simple and tasty. You will need fresh carrots and flavorful ingredients to make the glaze. - 1 pound baby carrots (or chopped regular carrots) - 1/4 cup fresh orange juice - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - Zest of 1 orange - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) You can swap honey for maple syrup for a different taste. If you want less sweetness, use less honey. For a vegan option, use plant-based butter. You can also replace fresh orange juice with bottled juice, but fresh gives better flavor. If you don’t have ground cinnamon, try using allspice or nutmeg for a new twist. Start with fresh carrots. Rinse them well under cold water. If you use regular carrots, peel them first. Cut them into even pieces for even cooking. Baby carrots are great too; just rinse and keep them whole. In a medium saucepan, boil water. Once boiling, add the carrots. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Drain the carrots and set them aside. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add fresh orange juice, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mix well. Bring it to a simmer. This step builds great flavor! Next, add the cooked carrots back into the glaze. Stir them well to coat evenly. Let them cook for 3-5 more minutes. This helps the glaze stick to the carrots. Remove from heat and let them sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to blend better. Finally, transfer your glazed carrots to a serving dish. You can garnish them with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your zesty orange glazed carrots! For the full recipe, see the recipe section above. To make your orange glazed carrots shine, use fresh orange juice. It brings bright taste. The zest adds a punch of citrus that makes every bite pop. Don’t skip the honey or maple syrup. They help balance the tartness. A pinch of salt boosts the flavors too. Cook your carrots until they are just tender. This takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them crunchy, not mushy. If you prefer softer carrots, cook them a few minutes longer. Always keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Remember, they will cook more in the glaze. Serve your orange glazed carrots with roasted chicken or fish. They pair well with grains like rice or quinoa. For a full meal, add a fresh salad on the side. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top for extra crunch. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} To enhance your orange glazed carrots, consider adding different flavors. You can toss in a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh ginger gives a nice kick. You might also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. If you love herbs, try adding thyme or rosemary. These small changes can make your dish exciting and unique. While honey and maple syrup are great choices, you can try other sweeteners. Brown sugar adds a rich flavor. Agave nectar is a lighter option. For a sugar-free choice, consider stevia or monk fruit. Each sweetener brings its own flair, so feel free to experiment until you find your favorite. Not a fan of carrots? You can swap them for other veggies. Parsnips add a sweet and nutty taste. Sweet potatoes offer a creamy texture. Even broccoli or brussels sprouts work well with the orange glaze. Just adjust the cooking time based on your chosen vegetable. Each option provides a new flavor profile while keeping that delicious glaze. To store leftover orange glazed carrots, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When you want to eat your leftover carrots, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to heat evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of water and heat over medium heat. This helps to keep them moist. You can freeze orange glazed carrots, but they may lose some texture. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tight. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently to enjoy their sweet flavor again. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use frozen carrots. They will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the glaze better. You may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen carrots might need a few more minutes to become tender. You can serve orange glazed carrots with many dishes. They pair well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or pork chops. You can also add them to a salad for extra color. They bring a sweet, tangy flavor that brightens any meal. Try serving them at a holiday dinner or with a simple weeknight meal. Orange glazed carrots can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of water to help them steam and stay moist. For the best taste, enjoy them within a few days. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. This article covered how to make delicious orange glazed carrots. You saw the full recipe and ingredient list. We discussed possible substitutions to make cooking easier. I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect carrots. Tips on flavor and serving ideas helped you elevate the dish. We explored fun variations to suit your taste. In cooking, simplicity and creativity can go hand in hand. Now, it’s time to try this recipe for yourself. Enjoy your cooking and impress your guests!

Orange Glazed Carrots

Discover a burst of flavor with these zesty orange glazed carrots! This simple recipe combines fresh orange juice, honey, and cinnamon to create a delicious glaze that takes your side dish to the next level. Perfectly tender yet crisp, these carrots are easy to prepare and will delight your taste buds. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a touch of sweetness to your dinner table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound baby carrots (or chopped regular carrots)

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Zest of 1 orange

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Rinse and peel the carrots if using regular ones; if using baby carrots, just rinse them under cold water.

    In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.

      In the same saucepan, add the butter, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), orange zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

        Add the cooked carrots to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and adhere to the carrots.

          Remove from heat and let the glazed carrots sit for a couple of minutes to absorb more flavor.

            Transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4