Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans is a delightful and simple side dish that brings vibrant colors and rich flavors to your table. Featuring sweet carrots and crisp green beans, this recipe is elevated by the aromatic honey glaze that combines honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Perfect for any meal, this dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe?
This Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Here are a few compelling reasons to try this recipe:
- Health Benefits: Carrots and green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious choice.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of any skill level.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving it alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or a vegetarian main, these glazed vegetables can complement a variety of meals.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious and beautiful side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh carrots
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds
Directions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off the stem ends. If using whole carrots, peel them and cut them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces on a diagonal. For baby carrots, use them whole or halve them lengthwise.
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Make the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Coat the Vegetables: Place the prepared carrots and green beans in a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over them. Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
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Roast the Vegetables: Spread the glazed vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
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Roasting Time: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the carrots are tender-crisp and the green beans are bright green.
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Achieve Caramelization: For an extra caramelized finish, broil the vegetables for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
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Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the vegetables rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds if desired.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Serve this colorful dish warm, either on a platter or in individual servings. Pair it with your favorite main course for a complete meal. The beautiful glaze and vibrant colors will enhance any table setting, making it perfect for special occasions.
How to Store Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
To store leftovers, place the cooled Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Tips to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
- Uniform Size: Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Taste Test: Adjust the seasonings in the glaze according to your taste preferences.
- Fresh Herbs: For an extra pop of flavor, add fresh herbs like dill or rosemary if you have them on hand.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
- Different Vegetables: Substitute or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for variety.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and the glaze ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them before roasting.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables yield the best results, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry before coating with the glaze.
3. What can I serve with Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans?
This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as part of a vegetarian meal with grains like quinoa or rice.
Now, enjoy this delicious and healthy Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans as a delightful side dish any time of year!
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh carrots Cut into roughly 1-inch thick pieces
- 1 pound fresh green beans Washed and trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off the stem ends.
- If using whole carrots, peel them and cut them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces on a diagonal. For baby carrots, use them whole or halve them lengthwise.
Make the Honey Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Coat the Vegetables
- Place the prepared carrots and green beans in a large bowl and pour the honey glaze over them.
- Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
Roast the Vegetables
- Spread the glazed vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the carrots are tender-crisp and the green beans are bright green.
Achieve Caramelization
- For an extra caramelized finish, broil the vegetables for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the vegetables rest for a minute before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds if desired.
