These Mustard Glazed Almond Carrots are a vibrant side dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfectly. The carrots are tender-crisp, coated in a rich glaze made from dark brown sugar and sharp Dijon mustard, providing a beautiful contrast in taste and texture. The addition of toasted blanched slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the earthiness of the vegetables. This dish is quick to prepare and looks elegant on any dinner plate. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or serves as a colorful vegetarian accompaniment. Ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe brings a touch of sophistication to your table without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Mustard Glazed Almond Carrots
Description
These Mustard Glazed Almond Carrots are a vibrant side dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfectly. The carrots are tender-crisp, coated in a rich glaze made from dark brown sugar and sharp Dijon mustard, providing a beautiful contrast in taste and texture. The addition of toasted blanched slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the earthiness of the vegetables. This dish is quick to prepare and looks elegant on any dinner plate. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or serves as a colorful vegetarian accompaniment. Ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe brings a touch of sophistication to your table without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400&# 194;°F (200ðC) if roasting, or prepare a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
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If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to the pan, then add the sliced carrots. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain any excess liquid.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add the mustard mixture to the carrots and toss gently to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly and the carrots are glossy.
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While the carrots cook, toast the slivered almonds in a dry small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Remove carrots from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
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Serve immediately while warm and crunchy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 196.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.6g24%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 3719.2mg155%
- Total Carbohydrate 10.3g4%
- Dietary Fiber 4.2g17%
- Sugars 1.6g
- Protein 7.3g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Note that the almonds may lose their crunch upon reheating; consider adding fresh toasted nuts when serving leftovers.
Substitutions: For a dairy-free option, this recipe is naturally vegan. You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option. If you don't have Dijon mustard, a mild whole-grain mustard can be used for added texture.
Tip: To ensure the carrots cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform diagonal slices. This not only helps with cooking but also makes for a more attractive presentation.
Variation: For a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the skillet when sautéing the carrots. You can also add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of kick.
