A delightful side dish that works with any entrée in your arsenal, you have to try this tasty recipe for Delicious Boiled Carrots!
I used to be an extremely picky eater as a kid. My parents would make me sit at the dinner table, long after everyone else was done eating, until I had finished at least a third of what was on my plate. I’d sit there stubbornly until I heard my sisters playing and having fun in the other room, and then hold my nose while I chewed and swallowed just enough to get me out of dinner jail. It seemed harsh at the time, but now that I’m a parent myself, I know they were just concerned that I wasn’t getting enough nutrients.
Then one summer, I went to stay with my grandparents on their farm, and suddenly, I outgrew my pickiness. Perhaps it was because I loved my grandmother’s cooking, or maybe it was that she let me help her in the garden and the kitchen, so I was more invested in what she served. All I know is that I used to despise boiled carrots until that summer, when I watched my grandmother drizzle maple syrup all over them, and I proceeded to devour my entire plate and even went back for seconds.
It’s a simple dish, really, and it takes just 10 minutes to make. A mix of sweet and savory flavors, the carrots are coated in a luscious glaze of olive oil and maple syrup, seasoned with salt and pepper, and garnished with fresh parsley for a bit of brightness. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it goes well with just about any meal. As a reformed picky eater—and now the mom of a very picky eater— this dish is one that I know even the pickiest of eaters is sure to try and love.
Ways to add different flavors to boiled carrots
Boiled carrots are a bit of a blank canvas, so it’s easy to add different spices or ingredients to change up the taste. Instead of maple syrup, you could use honey or brown sugar to sweeten the dish. You could also use butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste. Using butter or honey will make the carrots vegetarian rather than vegan. Spice things up with a dash of cinnamon, paprika, ginger, or cumin. You could even toss the carrots with a specific spice blend, such as herbes de Provence or ras el hanout. Sauté some minced garlic, and toss it with the carrots for a more savory flavor. Instead of parsley, sprinkle the carrots with chopped dill or chives. If you want to add a bit of crunch, toss in some roasted pecans or walnuts—the firmness of the nuts adds a nice contrast to the soft carrots.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow any leftovers to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should last for 4-5 days. You can also store them in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up. To reheat, quickly sauté them in a pan over medium-low heat with a bit of olive oil until they’re warm, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or two. You may want to garnish with freshly chopped parsley to brighten up the flavor.
Serving suggestions
These delicious boiled carrots will taste wonderful alongside almost any dish. I recommend serving them with Salisbury Steak or Creamy Garlic Chicken. Alternatively, serve them with these Veggie Burgers for a vegetarian-friendly meal. Add this Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole as an additional side, and dinner is served!
Delicious Boiled Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons parsley chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the carrots to the boiling water and cook for 4-5 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you'd like them to be.
- Drain the carrots.
- Drizzle the olive oil and maple syrup over the carrots, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, and then garnish with the chopped parsley.
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