Description
Sweet and Easy Candied Carrots are a bright and tender side dish featuring fresh carrots cooked in a luscious plant-based butter glaze with natural brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and warm cinnamon. Ready in under 30 minutes, this naturally sweet, glossy, and colorful recipe is perfect for both everyday meals and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh peeled carrots, cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick sticks or rounds
Glaze and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks or rounds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
- Melt the Plant-Based Butter: In a large skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat until fully liquified and gently bubbling, ready to coat the carrots.
- Add Sweeteners and Seasonings: Stir in the natural brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt into the melted butter until everything dissolves into a rich, fragrant glaze.
- Cook the Carrots: Add the prepared carrots to the skillet and toss well to coat evenly with the sugary mixture. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the top. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer Until Tender and Glossy: Let the carrots cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still holding their shape and the glaze thickens to a shiny, candied finish.
- Finish and Serve: Once the liquid has evaporated and the carrots are beautifully glossy, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and fresh from the skillet.
Notes
- Cut carrots evenly for uniform cooking and a professional look.
- Simmer on low heat to allow the natural gelling agent to create a smooth glaze without burning.
- Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity by tasting the glaze during cooking.
- Avoid overcooking to keep carrots tender but not mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied carrots, plant-based, easy side dish, gluten free, natural sweetness
