Hey there! If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, you’ve come to the right place. I remember one Thanksgiving when my son, Jake, declared he only liked carrots if they were sweet. That’s when I whipped up these Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than the turkey!
Why You’ll Love It
- They're a colorful addition to any meal.
- The honey glaze makes veggies irresistible for kids.
- They're easy to prepare and perfect for potlucks.
Pure Comfort
These Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans are not just a side dish; they bring warmth and joy to the table. With their sweet glaze and vibrant colors, they make every meal feel special.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb green beans, trimmed – Fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw first.
- 1 lb 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced – Baby carrots work too; just cut them in half.
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp honey – Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – Can substitute with melted butter.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is best.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Optional, for added flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the veggies a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by prepping your veggies. Trim the green beans and peel and slice the carrots. You want them to be uniform in size for even cooking, so aim for bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and look great on your plate.
- Next, in a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it’s boiling, toss in the green beans and carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re bright and tender but still crisp. You don’t want them mushy, so keep an eye on them.
- After the veggies are done, drain them and set them aside. You want to keep that vibrant color and crunch. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This little trick keeps them looking fresh and colorful.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.
- Now, add the drained green beans and carrots back into the pot. Toss them in the honey mixture until they’re fully coated. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to get a nice glaze and a bit of caramelization.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once they’re glossy and slightly sticky, remove them from heat. Serve them warm, and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!
Make It Perfect
- For extra sweetness, add a sprinkle of brown sugar with the honey.
- If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts before serving.
- Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for variety.
Mix It Up
- Try adding a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- You can also roast the veggies instead of sautéing them for a different flavor profile.
Perfect Partners
- These veggies pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish.
- Serve them alongside burgers for a colorful plate.
- They also make a great addition to any holiday feast.
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FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the veggies and store them in the fridge. Just glaze them before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, but they may lose some texture. Freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a container.
What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar works well for a different flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve them warm as a side dish, and they’re sure to be a hit!
Conclusion
These Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans are a fantastic way to enjoy veggies, especially for those picky eaters in your family. With their sweet glaze and vibrant colors, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table. So go ahead, give them a try, and watch your loved ones dig in!
Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb lbs green beans, trimmed Fresh or frozen; if using frozen, thaw first.
- 1 lb lbs carrots, peeled and sliced Baby carrots work too; just cut them in half.
- 3 tbsp tbsp honey Maple syrup can be used for a vegan option.
- 2 tbsp tbsp olive oil Can substitute with melted butter.
- 1 tsp tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp tsp black pepper Freshly ground is best.
- 1/2 tsp tsp garlic powder Optional, for added flavor.
Instructions
- Start by prepping your veggies. Trim the green beans and peel and slice the carrots. You want them to be uniform in size for even cooking, so aim for bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and look great on your plate.
- Next, in a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it’s boiling, toss in the green beans and carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re bright and tender but still crisp. You don’t want them mushy, so keep an eye on them.
- After the veggies are done, drain them and set them aside. You want to keep that vibrant color and crunch. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This little trick keeps them looking fresh and colorful.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.
- Now, add the drained green beans and carrots back into the pot. Toss them in the honey mixture until they’re fully coated. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to get a nice glaze and a bit of caramelization.
- Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once they’re glossy and slightly sticky, remove them from heat. Serve them warm, and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!