Slow cooker honey-Dijon glazed carrots offer a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. This easy-to-make side dish features tender carrots cooked to perfection in a savory honey-Dijon glaze, resulting in a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, these glazed carrots are sure to impress with their vibrant color and irresistible taste.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours
- Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (about 900g) carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Peel the carrots and cut them into 2-inch pieces. You can leave baby carrots whole or cut larger carrots into sticks or coins, depending on your preference.
2. Mix the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine Carrots and Glaze:
- Place the prepared carrots in the slow cooker insert and pour the honey-Dijon glaze over the top, ensuring that the carrots are evenly coated.
4. Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the glazed carrots on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the carrots are tender and cooked to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally, if possible, to ensure even coating of the glaze.
5. Serve:
- Once the glazed carrots are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish using a slotted spoon to drain any excess liquid.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Cooking Tips:
- For a thicker glaze, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the honey-Dijon mixture before pouring it over the carrots.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste by adjusting the amount of honey, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have delicious honey-Dijon glazed carrots ready to enjoy in your slow cooker.
- Vibrant Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and savory butter creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Nutritious Side Dish: Carrots are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal. This recipe allows you to enjoy all the benefits of carrots in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Conclusion:
Slow cooker honey-Dijon glazed carrots are a tasty and convenient side dish that’s sure to elevate any meal. With their tender texture and irresistible flavor, these glazed carrots are bound to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner or a weeknight supper, these carrots are sure to impress with their delicious taste and vibrant presentation. Give this recipe a try and savor the sweet and tangy goodness of honey-Dijon glazed carrots today!