Carrot Recipes: Savory, Sweet + Crunchy
Classic Play Cooks
by Jennifer Buchet, posted on May 9th, 2012 in Cooking
Hi there! I’m excited to introduce you to new column we’re running called Classic Play Cooks. I’ve asked writer and cook Jennifer Buchet to helm this bi-weekly column. Today she’s here with three simple, easy and delicious carrot recipes that everyone at the table will eat—picky eaters included. xo, Jen
Carrots are one of those ubiquitous vegetables that pair well with almost any meal. From Spring’s tender baby shoots to the robust flavors of Fall, carrots are very versatile. Steam them, boil them, bake them into muffins; mash them with potatoes or roast them in the oven—you get the gist!
Of course, we don’t always have the time nor temperament to prepare gourmet meals. These recipes are nutritious and simple to make. Even the most finicky eaters will surely enjoy these delicious dishes!
Sesame Soy Carrots
Ingredients
1 lb of baby carrots (washed)
2 tbs brown sugar (packed down)
1 tbs butter
1 tbs soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1. Place the carrots in a saucepan, filling the pan with just enough water to cover the carrots. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set the carrots aside.
2. In the same saucepan, add the sugar, butter and soy sauce. Simmer on a low heat until combined.
3. Stir in the carrots, mixing well.
4. Before serving, sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
Craving something slightly sweeter? Try this similar recipe which uses agave syrup instead of soy sauce. The syrup, or nectar, comes from the Blue Agave plant grown in the Southwest and in Mexico. Yes, it’s the same plant that tequila is made from, but don’t worry; the nectar is by no means alcoholic!
“Cactus” Carrots
Ingredients
1 lb of baby carrots (washed)
3 tbs brown sugar (packed down)
3 tbs butter
3 tbs agave syrup
2 tbs lemon juice
1. Place the carrots in a saucepan, filling the pan with just enough water to cover the carrots. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and set the carrots aside.
2. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat.
3. Add the sugar and agave, stirring until combined.
4. Lastly, toss in the carrots and spritz with the lemon juice. Coat the carrots well and enjoy!
Another easy recipe that you can whip together is this simple salad, or slaw. It’s perfect as a side or as a light appetizer.
Crunchy Carrot Slaw
Ingredients
2 cups shredded carrots
2 green apples, sliced into matchsticks
1 tbs lemon juice
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Dash of salt
Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. For an added punch, crumble feta cheese on top.
It’s never easy when you have picky eaters in the house. It always helps to include them in the buying process and/or making the meals. You can also try growing your own carrots, whether it’s a small patch in the back yard or in a long deck box. Not only will the kids love seeing Nature at work, they’ll also enjoy eating something that they grew themselves.
