Spicy Honey Glazed Carrots

$- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Using one pound of baby carrots gives you a good amount. If you choose regular carrots, peel them and cut them into sticks. This change will keep the cooking time the same. For the honey, I use three tablespoons. This adds a sweet touch. One tablespoon of olive oil helps the glaze stick. The chili flakes can be adjusted based on how spicy you like your dish. Smoked paprika gives depth, while garlic powder adds flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to bring it all together. You can swap the honey for maple syrup if you want a vegan version. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. For a milder dish, skip the chili flakes or use a milder pepper. Fresh parsley is great for garnish, but you can use green onions or cilantro if you prefer. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks) - 3 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your carrots roast perfectly. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a glaze that’s both sweet and spicy. Next, add the baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss them well to coat each carrot evenly. This step is key to getting the flavor all over. After that, spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You want them to be in one layer so they roast evenly. Now, roast the carrots in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stir them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice caramelization. When they are done, the carrots should be tender and slightly golden. Once out of the oven, transfer the carrots to a serving dish. They look great and smell amazing! For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can serve these spicy honey glazed carrots on a rustic wooden board or a white dish. Drizzle any extra glaze from the tray over the top for added flair. Enjoy this delicious side with any main dish! To make the glaze just right, mix your honey and olive oil well. Add chili flakes and smoked paprika for heat and flavor. Garlic powder gives a nice touch too. Adjust the chili flakes to match your spice preference. Taste the glaze before adding the carrots. If it’s too sweet, add a pinch of salt. This balance makes a great glaze. Use baby carrots for the best texture. They cook evenly and stay tender. If using regular carrots, cut them into uniform sticks. This helps them cook at the same rate. Always spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. This way, they roast nicely and get that golden color. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. For serving, use a rustic wooden board or a white dish. The bright color of the carrots stands out well. Drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the top. This adds a nice shine. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Plus, it adds a bit of herb flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, vibrant baby carrots. If using regular carrots, ensure they are firm and free of blemishes. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of chili flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired. Even Coating: Make sure to toss the carrots thoroughly in the glaze to ensure an even coating, which will enhance caramelization and flavor. Save the Leftover Glaze: If you have any leftover glaze on the baking sheet, drizzle it over the roasted carrots just before serving for added sweetness and heat. {{image_2}} You can change the spice level of your spicy honey glazed carrots. If you want more heat, add more chili flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also try fresh chili peppers for a fresh kick. For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes or skip them. Remember, cooking is about your taste! You can mix in other flavors for fun. Try adding a splash of orange juice for a bright note. Citrus zest also works well. For a savory twist, include cooked bacon bits or shallots. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can add crunch. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary will give it an earthy touch too. These carrots pair well with many meals. Serve them with grilled chicken or roasted fish. They also go nicely with quinoa or rice dishes. For a festive touch, add them to your holiday spread. Their sweet and spicy kick can brighten up any plate! To store your spicy honey glazed carrots, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When you are ready to eat leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This keeps the glaze sticky and delicious. You can also microwave them for 2-3 minutes. Just cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If you want to freeze the carrots, do this before adding the glaze. Blanch the carrots in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cool them in ice water. Drain and place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw and then glaze as per the recipe. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into sticks. This way, they will cook evenly. Baby carrots are great for ease, but regular ones add more flavor. Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best taste. To add more heat, increase the chili flakes. Start with half a teaspoon more. You could also add sliced fresh chili peppers. Another option is to use hot honey instead of regular honey. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Cook the carrots at a high temperature, like 400°F (200°C). This helps them roast quickly and stay firm. Cut the carrots into similar sizes for even cooking. Stir them halfway through roasting to ensure they cook evenly. Avoid overcooking, which makes them soft. This blog post covered everything you need to know about preparing delicious glazed carrots. We explored the right ingredients, cooking steps, and serving ideas. I shared tips on perfecting the glaze and avoiding mushy carrots. Overall, you can create a tasty dish that stands out on your table. With the variations and storage tips, you can enjoy these carrots anytime. Keep experimenting and find what you love best!$

A delicious side dish featuring baby carrots coated in a spicy honey glaze, roasted to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, olive oil, chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a glaze.
Add the baby carrots to the bowl and toss them in the honey mixture until they are evenly coated.
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Once done, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch before serving.

Notes

Serve the spicy honey glazed carrots on a rustic wooden board or a white porcelain dish to highlight their vibrant color, and drizzle any extra glaze from the tray over the top for added flair.

Keyword carrots, honey, spicy, vegetable side