Description
Julia Child’s classic glazed carrots offer a luxurious French side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Butter, sugar, and herbs caramelize tender carrots, creating a glossy, sophisticated accompaniment you’ll want to serve at every elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
- ¼ cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar
Spices:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and peel the carrots, then slice them into uniform longitudinal sticks approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) long, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
- Select a large saucepan and arrange the carrot sticks inside, pouring cool water until the vegetables are completely submerged with about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of liquid above them.
- Position the saucepan on high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the temperature to low, allowing the carrots to gently simmer.
- Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the carrots cook for 8 to 10 minutes, periodically testing their tenderness with a sharp fork to prevent overcooking.
- Once the carrots reach a perfect tender-crisp consistency, carefully drain the water using a colander, transferring the cooked vegetables to a clean mixing bowl.
- Without washing the saucepan, return it to low heat and add unsalted butter, allowing it to melt completely and create a smooth base for the glaze.
- Gradually incorporate brown sugar, kosher salt, and white pepper into the melted butter, stirring continuously until the ingredients dissolve into a uniform, glossy mixture.
- Gently reintroduce the cooked carrot sticks into the saucepan, delicately tossing them to ensure each piece becomes evenly coated with the rich, caramelized glaze.
- Continue cooking the glazed carrots for an additional 1 to 3 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent burning and promote thorough heating.
Notes
- Slice carrots into uniform sticks to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Monitor cooking time closely to maintain a perfect tender-crisp texture without turning mushy.
- Select premium unsalted butter for a rich, smooth glaze that elevates the natural sweetness of carrots.
- Customize the glaze’s sweetness by gradually adding brown sugar to match your taste preferences.
- Plate and serve the glazed carrots immediately while they’re piping hot and glistening with a delectable caramelized coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 58 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg