Glazed Belgian Carrots

Glazed Belgian Carrots Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Belgium

Region / culture: Belgium | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Glazed Belgian Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. The combination of honey and ginger creates a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.

History

Belgian carrots, also known as Chantenay carrots, are a popular variety of carrot that originated in Belgium. They are known for their sweet and tender flesh, making them perfect for glazing. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Belgian cuisine, where honey and ginger are commonly used to enhance the flavor of vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of frozen Belgian carrots
6 tbsp of butter or margarine
2 tbsp of honey
0.25 to 0.5 tsp of ground ginger

How to prepare

Place the frozen carrots in a deep, 1.5 qt, heat-resistant, non-metallic casserole.
Heat the casserole, covered, for 2 minutes in the Microwave Oven.
Add the remaining ingredients.
Uncover the casserole and heat it for an additional 4 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
Let the casserole stand for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a deep casserole dish to ensure that the carrots cook evenly and are coated in the glaze.

- Be careful not to overcook the carrots, as they can become mushy. It's best to check them periodically to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and ginger to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how sweet or spicy you like your carrots.

Serving Suggestions

These Glazed Belgian Carrots are perfect served alongside roasted chicken or pork. They also make a great addition to a holiday meal or Sunday dinner.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is to cook the carrots until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Be sure to check them periodically to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Belgian carrots, you can use regular carrots or another root vegetable, such as parsnips or sweet potatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the carrots. Simply reheat the glaze before adding it to the carrots.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Glazed Belgian Carrots with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

These carrots pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled fish. They also make a great addition to a vegetarian meal served with quinoa or couscous.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Glazed Belgian Carrots contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Carrots are a good source of carbohydrates, providing around 12 grams per serving.

Fats

- This recipe contains around 24 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the margarine used to glaze the carrots.

Proteins

- There is minimal protein in this dish, with only around 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in vitamin A, providing over 100% of the recommended daily intake per serving. They also contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains margarine, which may contain dairy. Be sure to use a dairy-free margarine if you have a dairy allergy.

Summary

Glazed Belgian Carrots are a nutritious side dish that is high in vitamin A and low in protein. They are a great way to add some sweetness to your meal while still getting a dose of healthy vitamins and minerals.

Summary

- Glazed Belgian Carrots are a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The sweet and spicy glaze adds a burst of flavor to the tender carrots, making them a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Enjoy this dish as a nutritious and flavorful addition to your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Glazed Belgian Carrots. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Belgium. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me to help her in the kitchen for the day. I was beyond excited to learn some of her secrets and techniques, and little did I know that this particular recipe would become one of my all-time favorites.

As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the kitchen for our cooking adventure, my grandmother began to tell me the story behind the Glazed Belgian Carrots recipe. She explained that it was a traditional dish that had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had once been a renowned chef in Belgium.

The recipe itself was quite simple, requiring just a few key ingredients: fresh carrots, butter, sugar, and a touch of water. But the magic, my grandmother explained, was in the technique. The carrots were to be cooked slowly in a pan, allowing them to caramelize and develop a deep, rich flavor. The addition of a little sugar near the end of the cooking process would create a delicious glaze that would coat the carrots and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.

As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother guided me through each step of the recipe with patience and care. She showed me how to peel and slice the carrots just so, ensuring that each piece was uniform in size and shape. She taught me the importance of using a heavy-bottomed pan to cook the carrots slowly and evenly, allowing them to develop that perfect caramelization.

But it wasn't just the technical aspects of the recipe that my grandmother shared with me that day. She also shared with me the importance of cooking with love and intention, of putting your heart and soul into each dish you create. She told me stories of her own childhood in Belgium, of the long days spent in the kitchen with her own grandmother, learning the secrets of traditional Belgian cuisine.

As the carrots simmered away on the stove, filling the kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to enjoy a cup of tea together. She told me stories of her own adventures in the kitchen, of the mistakes she had made and the lessons she had learned along the way. And as we laughed and talked, I felt a deep connection to her and to the long line of women who had come before us, passing down their knowledge and their love of cooking from generation to generation.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as my grandmother lifted the lid from the pan, revealing the most beautiful, caramelized carrots I had ever seen. She carefully plated them up and we sat down together to taste the fruits of our labor. And as I took that first bite, my taste buds exploded with flavor - the carrots were tender, sweet, and utterly delicious.

From that day on, Glazed Belgian Carrots became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home, always thinking back to that special day in my grandmother's kitchen when I first learned the art of cooking with love and intention.

And so, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. May you always cook with love, and may the flavors of this dish remind you of the strong, resilient women who came before you, passing down their knowledge and their love through the simple act of sharing a meal together. Enjoy, my darling, and happy cooking.