Sautéed Carrots with Honey

Sautéed Carrots with Honey make any meal a little brighter and sweeter. They are the perfect side dish when you want something easy and vibrant.

I started making these on weeknights to get my kids to love carrots and now they appear at every holiday spread too.

Ingredients

• Carrots: twelve ounces peeled and sliced into coins thicker coins will not cook as quickly try to pick firm and bright orange carrots for the best flavor
• Olive oil: gives a subtle richness cooks the carrots evenly use extra virgin for the most flavor
• Butter: adds creaminess and helps caramelize the carrots a dairy free option works perfectly
• Honey: a touch of natural sweetness that goes so well with carrot’s earthiness look for local honey if possible
• Fresh dill: a pop of green herb taste brighten the dish choose bunches with aromatic fronds
• Salt: brings all the flavors together use a flaky sea salt if you like

Instructions

Prepare the Carrots:

Peel each carrot and slice diagonally into coins about one quarter inch thick or slightly less to ensure even cooking and a pretty presentation

Warm the Pan:

Set a large skillet over medium heat and measure in the olive oil and butter Allow the fats to melt together swirling the pan so the mixture coats the entire bottom

Sauté the Carrots:

Add the prepared carrot coins to the pan ensuring they are in a single layer for even browning Stir often as they sauté for about eight to ten minutes until just tender and slightly caramelized on the edges Never rush this step as gentle heat draws out carrot’s natural sugars

Sweeten and Season:

Once the carrots are soft and golden spoon in the honey and sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the top Continue to stir and cook for another one to two minutes so the flavors meld and the honey glazes the carrots

Finish and Serve:

Taste and add salt as needed Stir everything together well before transferring to a platter for serving

Fresh dill is the ingredient that always brings me joy here I remember an afternoon teaching my daughter how to snip her own herbs from our garden before sprinkling them on our carrots It turned the kitchen into a little celebration of spring

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers let the carrots cool before storing them in an airtight container Keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or more olive oil If freezing let them cool then place in a freezer friendly bag and press out excess air Reheat from frozen and toss with extra dill for freshness

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap maple syrup for honey for a vegan option and it tastes just as delightful Chopped fresh parsley or chives work well if you do not have dill For additional flavor sprinkle in a little smoked paprika or ground cumin during sautéing Try using rainbow carrots for a burst of color

Serving Suggestions

These carrots go wonderfully with roast chicken pan seared salmon or vegan grain bowls For a bright spring lunch I pair them with soft boiled eggs and crusty bread If you want to impress at a holiday bring a generous platter topped with extra dill and a drizzle more honey

Cultural and Historical Context

The pairing of carrots and honey is ancient known for harnessing the earthy sweetness of root vegetables Early recipes appear in both Central European and Middle Eastern cuisines Dill adds a nod to classic Eastern European preparations Where my family is from braised carrots always meant a holiday was near

Seasonal Adaptations

Spring brings especially tender carrots so try to use fresh local ones in season Late summer dill may be abundant in gardens or markets so double the herb In winter swap dill for rosemary or thyme as a warming note

Success Stories

Friends who claim not to like cooked carrots always ask for seconds of this dish My neighbor now serves these carrots every year at her Thanksgiving dinner and swears her picky eaters finally enjoy veggies because of the honey glaze

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the recipe as directed and let fully cool Place in lidded containers or freezer bags Freeze up to two months Reheat directly from frozen over low heat on the stove Stir gently and sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley to revive flavors

Serve these carrots warm and finish with a fresh sprinkle of dill Enjoy their touch of sweetness and vibrant color at any meal

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute dried dill if needed, using about a third the amount of fresh for similar flavor.

→ Is it necessary to peel the carrots?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but thoroughly washed unpeeled carrots can be used.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as alternatives for a similar sweet touch.

→ How do I prevent the carrots from sticking?

Ensure your skillet is well-heated and use both oil and butter to help prevent sticking.

→ Can this side dish be prepared ahead?

Yes, it can be made in advance. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving for best results.