Ingredients
- Fresh Carrots (1 pound): Choose firm, bright orange carrots. These provide a natural sweetness and a wonderful source of Vitamin A, essential for vision and immune health.
- Fresh Green Beans (1 pound): Look for vibrant green beans that are firm and snap easily. They offer a delightful crisp-tender texture and are packed with fiber and vitamins.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Unsalted butter adds richness and helps create a luscious glaze. You can also use olive oil for a dairy-free option, though butter provides a richer flavor.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): The star of the glaze! Honey provides a natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Low-sodium soy sauce adds a savory umami depth to balance the sweetness of the honey. It also enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): A touch of acidity from apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness and adds brightness to the glaze, creating a more complex flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Garlic powder provides a subtle savory note that complements the other flavors without being overpowering. Fresh minced garlic can also be used for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors and bring the dish together. Use kosher salt or sea salt for best results and freshly ground black pepper for optimal flavor.
- Optional: Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note as a final touch.
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and trimming your vegetables. For the carrots, peel them and cut them into uniform pieces. You can choose to slice them into rounds, sticks, or diagonal cuts – aim for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. For the green beans, snap off the stem ends. If the green beans are particularly long, you can also cut them in half for easier eating and more uniform cooking. Having uniformly sized vegetables is key to ensure they cook at the same rate and achieve the desired tender-crisp texture. This step is crucial for the overall success of the dish.
- Blanch the Green Beans (Optional but Recommended): Blanching the green beans briefly helps to retain their vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green but are still crisp. Immediately transfer the green beans to an ice bath (a bowl of cold water with ice cubes) to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the green beans thoroughly. Blanching is an optional step, but it significantly improves the texture and appearance of the green beans in the final dish. If you prefer a softer green bean, you can skip this step and simply sauté them for a longer duration in the next step.
- Sauté the Carrots: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the prepared carrots to the pan. Sauté the carrots for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened but still have a bit of bite. Sautéing the carrots first allows them to begin cooking through before adding the green beans, as carrots generally take longer to cook. This step is important for ensuring both vegetables reach the desired level of tenderness simultaneously.
- Add the Green Beans and Glaze Ingredients: Add the blanched (or unblanched) green beans to the skillet with the carrots. Now, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the glaze. Combining all the glaze ingredients at this stage allows them to meld together and infuse the vegetables with their delicious sweet and savory flavors.
- Simmer and Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the vegetables simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots and green beans are tender-crisp and the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking and glazing. The simmering process allows the vegetables to fully cook through while the glaze reduces and becomes sticky and glossy, clinging beautifully to the vegetables. Keep an eye on the liquid level and adjust the heat if needed to prevent the glaze from burning or reducing too quickly.
- Uncover and Finish Glazing (Optional): For a more intensely glazed and slightly caramelized finish, remove the lid from the skillet and increase the heat slightly to medium. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing any excess liquid to evaporate and the glaze to further thicken and caramelize around the vegetables. Be careful not to overcook at this stage, as you still want the vegetables to retain some texture. This step is optional but highly recommended if you desire a stickier, more pronounced glaze.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a touch more honey or soy sauce, depending on your preference. This is the final opportunity to fine-tune the flavors to your liking and ensure the dish is perfectly balanced.
- Serve and Garnish (Optional): Transfer the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm as a delicious and flavorful side dish. These glazed vegetables are best enjoyed fresh and warm, when their texture and glaze are at their peak.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150