Saucy Minted Carrots

Minted Baby Carrots Recipe with Delicious Sauce

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Saucy Minted Carrots is a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of mint makes this dish a standout on the dinner table.

History

This recipe for Saucy Minted Carrots has been passed down through generations in my family. It originated from a traditional recipe that was brought over from Europe and has been a favorite at family gatherings ever since.

Ingredients

4 cups of water
2 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of salt
2 lb (907 g) of baby carrots
0.5 cup of butter
0.25 cup plus 2 tbsp of firmly packed brown sugar
1 tbsp of cornstarch
0.25 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, and salt. Add carrots and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
Drain the carrots, but reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Set the carrots aside and keep them warm.
In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add brown sugar and cornstarch, stirring until smooth.
Cook the mixture for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
Stir in the mint.
Pour the sauce over the carrots, stirring gently to coat them.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans for added crunch.
Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
Try using different herbs such as parsley or dill in place of the mint.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the carrots until they are tender but still have a slight crunch to them for the best texture.

- Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of mint to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Saucy Minted Carrots alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete and delicious meal. They also pair well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Sauteing

- Thickening

Ingredient Substitutions

Regular carrots can be used in place of baby carrots.

- Margarine can be substituted for butter.

- Dried mint can be used in place of fresh mint, but reduce the amount by half.

Make Ahead Tips

The carrots can be cooked and the sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color. Serve in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Saucy Minted Carrots with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a delightful dining experience. They also pair well with a light and fruity red wine such as Pinot Noir.

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

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 14g per serving

Saturated Fat: 9g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 310% DV

Vitamin C: 10% DV

Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter)

Summary

This dish is a good source of Vitamin A and provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats. It is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Summary

Saucy Minted Carrots is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is sure to impress. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is a great addition to any meal. Enjoy the tender carrots coated in a flavorful mint-infused sauce for a truly delightful dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to discovering new recipes whenever I visited her.

On that particular day, Martha had prepared a delightful meal for us to enjoy. As we sat down at the table, I noticed a side dish of vibrant orange carrots that looked simply irresistible. Curious, I asked Martha what she had done to make them so delicious. With a twinkle in her eye, Martha revealed that she had a special recipe for Saucy Minted Carrots that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

Intrigued, I asked Martha if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. Without hesitation, she agreed and led me to her cozy kitchen where she pulled out a weathered old cookbook from her shelves. Flipping through the pages, she finally found the recipe for Saucy Minted Carrots and began to recount the story of how she had learned to make it.

According to Martha, her grandmother had been a renowned cook in their small village, known for her culinary skills and innovative recipes. One day, a traveling chef passing through the village had shared the recipe for Saucy Minted Carrots with her grandmother, who had then passed it down through the generations.

As Martha read through the recipe, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the ingredients and the intricate steps involved in creating this delicious dish. It called for fresh carrots, chopped mint, butter, sugar, and a dash of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. The carrots were to be boiled until tender, then sautéed in a mixture of butter, sugar, and mint until they were coated in a glossy glaze.

Eager to try my hand at making Saucy Minted Carrots, Martha guided me through each step of the recipe, offering helpful tips and tricks along the way. As the carrots simmered on the stove, the fragrant aroma of mint filled the kitchen, reminding me of the abundance of fresh herbs that grew in Martha's backyard garden.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as we plated the Saucy Minted Carrots alongside the rest of our meal. The vibrant orange carrots glistened with the sweet minty glaze, enticing us to take the first bite. As I tasted the tender carrots, the burst of flavors danced on my taste buds, leaving me in awe of the simple yet satisfying dish that I had just created.

From that day on, Saucy Minted Carrots became a staple in my recipe repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress my family and friends. I would often think back to that warm summer day at Martha's cottage, where I had discovered the magic of this timeless recipe that had been passed down through generations.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my own collection of recipes and memories, I am grateful for the connections that food has brought into my life. The recipe for Saucy Minted Carrots may have originated from a traveling chef passing through a small village, but it has now become a cherished part of my own culinary journey, a reminder of the love and friendship that can be shared through a simple dish. And for that, I am forever grateful.