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A serving bowl of glazed carrots. Roasted turkey in the background.

Hello, friends. Today, I want to share something truly special with you—a recipe that’s close to my heart and always a hit at our family gatherings. Picture this: sweet, tender carrots glazed with a heavenly mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, ginger, and nutmeg, all brought together by the richness of butter. Ge ready to fall in love with carrots all over again.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill glazed carrots recipe. This treasure comes from the inspired kitchens of the Tuskegee Institute, in Tuskegee, Alabama, carrying with it a legacy of love, warmth, and culinary excellence. I’ve made this recipe over and over, but it never gets old. As a matter of fact, our middle daughter and I could make a meal off of these delicious carrots. And the best part? It’s marvelously easy to prepare thanks to using pre-sliced, frozen carrots, making it the perfect side dish for busy weeknights and family dinners alike.

The Tuskegee Institute Inspiration

I can’t really tell you about this recipe without also sharing one of my favorite cookbooks. It’s where I found this recipe, along with many others that have put smiles on the faces of my family and brought them happily to the table time and again. Anyone who loves good, southern food needs this cookbook in their recipe library.

Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that’s not just about the food, but about the story, the history, and the heart behind it. That’s exactly what we have here. This glazed carrots recipe draws its roots from the Tuskegee Institute, founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. The school is a place renowned not just for its academic and historical significance but for its rich culinary tradition. The African American Heritage Cookbook is more than just a collection of mouth watering recipes, it’s a reminder of the power of human courage, perseverance and determination to stand up against the profound racial injustices of the time period to fulfill a dream . To me, this is not just a recipe book, but the awe inspiring story of one man who establish an institute of higher learning against all odds. It’s a legacy of inspiration that should inspire all of us to never lose sight of our dreams.

Why This Glazed Carrots Recipe Stands Out

Now, on to the recipe. Get ready to wrap your loved ones in a warm hug with a dish that’s as effortless as it is exquisite. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your holiday table or just add a bit of sparkle to your daily meals, these glazed carrots are sure to become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire. So, tie on your apron and let’s dive into the world of simple ingredients and mouth watering results!

Unique Blend of Flavors: Ginger and Nutmeg

What truly sets this dish apart is its captivating blend of flavors. The ginger adds a warm, zesty kick, cutting through the sweetness with its subtle spice, while the nutmeg provides a comforting balance. The result? A side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (or maybe even thirds).

Simple Ingredients, Stellar Results

We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen, overwhelmed by elaborate recipes requiring endless ingredients. That’s why I adore this glazed carrots recipe. It champions simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Using everyday ingredients like brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and pre-sliced, frozen carrots, it proves that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create a dish that’s both easy and elegant. This is the beauty of home cooking: transforming the simple into the sublime, one dish at a time. I’ve found that in many instances, I prefer the flavor of simple dishes. This is just that. The spices compliment the carrots beautifully, but they don’t overwhelm them.

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Ingredients List

Key Ingredients for Glazed Carrots

For this glazed carrots recipe, you’ll probably have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 cups of pre-sliced, frozen carrots – the star of our show.
  • 3 tablespoons of butter – for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar (either light or dark is fine) and 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar – to create the perfect glaze that’s sweet, but not overly so.
  • 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg – these spices bring warmth and depth, elevating the dish.

These few, simple ingredients combined together, will elevate your humble carrots to an entirely new level.

Why Pre-sliced, Frozen Carrots are a Game-Changer

Now, let’s talk about one of the heroes of this recipe: pre-sliced, frozen carrots. In our busy lives, finding shortcuts in the kitchen that don’t compromise on quality is like striking gold. These carrots are exactly that—gold. Not only do they drastically cut down on prep time, making this dish achievable even on the busiest of weeknights, but they also ensure consistent quality and taste.

If you have fresh, whole carrots on hand, you can absolutely use them. You’ll want 8-10 carrots, washed, peeled and sliced. Personally, when I’m meal planning, I opt for shortcuts as often as possible, so I try to keep frozen, sliced carrots on hand. It saves me time with prep, and helps me quickly put a meal on the table. So, embrace the convenience as often as possible and let these frozen carrots be your secret weapon to impressing your family and friends with minimal effort.

Flash Freeze Sliced Garden Carrots

If you grow carrots in your garden, I highly recommend flash freezing some of your carrots pre-sliced just for this purpose. Scrub, peel and slice your fresh carrots. I recommend using a mandolin slicer. This will make the job a bit quicker and will also ensure you have uniform thickness of your slices. It’s much easier to have an evenly cooked dish if your vegetables are all about the same size and thickness.

Once your carrots have been sliced, put them on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour, or until they’re frozen through. Store your frozen carrots in quart size freezer bags in the freezer for up to one year.

Step-by-Step Glazed Carrots Recipe

Preparing the Carrots

Let’s kick things off by getting our pre-sliced, frozen carrots ready. You’ll want to cover your frozen carrots with water in a medium skillet. Bring the water to a boil and cook the carrots until they’re tender. Drain the carrots and set them aside.

Creating the Perfect Glaze

Now, onto the star of the show: the glaze. In a med/large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, ginger and nutmeg until well combined. Gently stir in your cooked carrots, coating well in the sugar and spices. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When the butter has melted and the skillet is hot, add in your coated carrots. Cook them over low heat until the carrots are glazed and have turned a deep brown color. Stir often to prevent burning.

Final Touches before Serving

Just before serving, give the carrots a final gentle stir. Plate them while warm. And there you have it: a dish that’s as delightful to present as it is to devour, ready to grace your table with its warmth and flavor.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Glazed Carrots

Getting the Right Texture

The secret to the perfect glazed carrot lies in its texture. You’re looking for that sweet spot between firm and tender. You want to remember not to overdo the carrots on the boiling water step. If you boil them too long, they’ll overcook in the glaze, turning mushy. Boil the carrots just until they’re turning tender. Remember, the carrots will continue to cook in that beautiful glaze, reaching that ideal tenderness.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

While the blend of brown sugar and white sugar in our recipe creates a delightful sweetness, palates vary. Some might crave that extra sweetness, while others prefer a subtler approach. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. Feel free to tweak the sugar ratios or even consider a splash of orange juice for a fruity twist. You may also choose to add salt to balance out the sweetness. I typically make a recipe as directed the first time. Then, I make note of any changes I want to make the next time I prepare it. Don’t shy away from adjusting the sugar, spices or adding salt to suit your preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Carrots

One of the most common pitfalls in making glazed carrots is overcooking them. It’s a fine line between perfectly tender and mush. The key is to be vigilant, especially as the carrots start to soften in the skillet. A good rule of thumb is to test them with a fork at around the 8-minute mark. If they yield just a bit, they’re likely done. Remember, they’ll continue to cook when you have coated them in the sugar and spice glaze. Keeping an eye on the cook time can make the difference between a dish that’s just okay and one that’s absolutely spectacular.

Balancing Flavors: Not Too Sweet, Not Too Spicy

Flavor balance is crucial in a dish like glazed carrots. While the blend of ginger and nutmeg adds a delightful complexity, it’s easy to tip the scales too far in one direction. Whether it’s making the dish too sweet or overpowering it with spice, moderation is your friend. If you are playing around with adjusting this recipe, start adding or removing a small amount of sugar, ginger and nutmeg. Especially if you are adding. It’s simple to add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in there. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. Finding that perfect harmony makes all the difference, ensuring your glazed carrots are deliciously unforgettable, not regretfully memorable.

FAQs

Can Glazed Carrots Be Made Ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing your glazed carrots a day ahead can be a real lifesaver, especially when planning for a big event or family dinner. Simply cool them down after cooking and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the glaze. Remember, the goal is to warm them through without cooking them further to maintain that perfect texture.

Can Glazed Carrots Be Frozen?

While you can freeze glazed carrots, I’d advise against it. The freezing process can alter the texture of the carrots, making them less appealing when thawed and reheated. The glaze can also separate, losing that silky consistency we all love. If you have leftovers, your best bet is to enjoy them from the fridge within a few days for the best quality.

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are remarkably versatile and can accompany a wide range of dishes. They pair beautifully with roast meats, offering a sweet counterbalance to rich, savory flavors. For a vegetarian option, they’re fantastic alongside a quinoa salad or a hearty lentil dish. And, of course, they shine as a star player in a holiday spread, bringing a touch of color and sweetness to the table that complements traditional dishes like ham, turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes.

How Long Can I Keep Glazed Carrots in the Refrigerator?

Glazed carrots will keep in the fridge for up to three to four days when stored properly in an airtight container. This makes them a great make-ahead option for meal prep or for stretching out those delightful flavors over a few meals. Just remember to reheat gently to keep their texture as enjoyable as on the first day.

Enjoying Simple Things

I hope this recipe and the tips provided will inspire you to make these glazed carrots a staple in your home. It’s a testament to how a few humble ingredients, when combined with care and attention, can transform into a dish that’s not just food, but a celebration of family, history, and the simple joys of cooking.

So, here’s to making and sharing meals that matter. To the warmth of family gatherings, to the laughter shared over simple yet exquisite dishes, and to the joy of cooking that keeps us connected. Enjoy your culinary journey—one bite at a time!

Love, Jenn

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