Ingredients
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2 lbs Carrots: You can use regular, full-sized carrots, which should be peeled and chopped, or a 2 lb bag of baby carrots for an even quicker prep time. Rainbow carrots also work beautifully and create a stunning visual presentation.
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¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the final seasoning of the dish. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt slightly.
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3 tablespoons Honey: A classic clover or wildflower honey works perfectly. For a different flavor profile, you could experiment with orange blossom honey or even a darker buckwheat honey for a more robust taste.
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1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: This may seem like a lot, but it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey and carrots.
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½ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: For a subtle, spicy warmth.
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2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, finely chopped: This is for garnish and adds a much-needed touch of fresh, herbaceous brightness to cut through the richness of the final dish. Fresh thyme is another excellent option.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation is Key
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving true roasting and caramelization rather than just baking or steaming the carrots.
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Prepare the Carrots: If using regular carrots, wash and peel them thoroughly. Slice them into uniform pieces. The shape is up to you—you can slice them into ½-inch thick diagonal coins or cut them into 2-inch long sticks (batons). The most important thing is that the pieces are a consistent size to ensure they all cook at the same rate. If you are using baby carrots, you can leave them whole.
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Prepare Your Pan: Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Create the Honey Butter Glaze
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Melt the Butter: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This should only take about 30 seconds.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the honey, kosher salt, and black pepper directly to the melted butter. Whisk vigorously until the honey has fully incorporated into the butter and the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Toss and Arrange
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Coat the Carrots: Place your prepared carrots in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey butter glaze all over the carrots. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the carrots thoroughly, ensuring every single piece is evenly coated in the glaze.
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Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Pour the glazed carrots onto your prepared baking sheet and spread them out into a single, even layer. This is the most critical rule of roasting. If the carrots are piled on top of each other, they will trap steam and become soft and mushy instead of caramelizing. If necessary, use two baking sheets to give them enough space.
Step 4: Roast to Caramelized Perfection
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Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-35 minutes.
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Flip Halfway Through: After about 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to toss and flip the carrots. This will ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
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Check for Doneness: The carrots are done when they are fork-tender and you can see deep caramelization and browning on the edges. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your carrot pieces.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with the fresh, chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150-180