Succulent Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe for Foodies
Ahoy there foodies! Gather around and pull up a chair, for I have something special to share with you today. Have you ever had a craving for some sweet and savory goodness that just hits the spot? Look no further, because I present to you the Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe!
As a culinary expert, I’ve searched high and low for the perfect side dish that is not only delicious but also super easy to make. Say goodbye to boring steamed carrots, because this recipe adds a little pizazz to your palate. With honey, light brown sugar, and unsalted butter as the key ingredients, these honey-glazed carrots will sure to be a hit at any meal.
But wait, there’s more! Not only is this an amazing recipe, it also boasts versatility. You can substitute or add different seasonings such as za’atar spice mix, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper or salt to suit your taste buds. Plus, it’s made in an Instant Pot so you can save time while getting perfectly tender and flavorful carrots in only 2 minutes!
So what are you waiting for? Grab some baby carrots and let’s get cooking with this super easy Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe. This side dish will surely become your new go-to option that will compliment any main course. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you, this Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots recipe is something to write home about. If you’re a carrot lover like myself, then let me just say, this dish is a game changer. Trust me on this one.
First of all, who doesn’t love glazed carrots? This recipe adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the already naturally sweet carrots. With honey and light brown sugar, these carrots are taken to a whole new level of deliciousness.
But here’s where things get even better. This recipe is super easy to make! Just throw everything in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker for a few minutes and voila! You have yourself some effortlessly tasty honey glazed carrots.
And if you’re worried about the ingredients–let me put your mind at ease. This dish incorporates fresh parsley and za’atar spice mix (a Middle Eastern spice blend), which gives these carrots an added layer of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish to add to your weeknight dinner routine or planning a fancy dinner party, these Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots are sure to please everyone around the table. Don’t hesitate–give it a try today and thank me later!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make these flavorful and easy Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots.
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Carrots: Use large or baby carrots, and cut them into similar shapes and sizes for even cooking. You can also use pre-cut carrot chips.
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Honey: Adds sweetness and a slight caramelization to the carrots.
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Brown Sugar: Helps caramelize the honey glaze and adds depth of flavor.
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Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the honey glaze adhere to the carrots.
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Olive Oil: Used along with butter for roasting carrots in oven.
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Water: Helps create steam in the Instant Pot to cook the carrots under pressure.
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Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.
Optional additional ingredients for variation:
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Za’atar spice mix: An herby, tangy Middle Eastern spice blend that pairs well with sweet roasted carrots.
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Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a little bit of heat to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
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Fresh parsley: Great as a garnish for freshness and color.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the required ingredients, let’s make Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots! In this section, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making this super easy and delicious recipe.
Step 1: Prep the Carrots
Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Then, cut them into chunks or use baby carrots if available. You want the carrots to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Place your prepared carrots into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar over the carrots. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp of za’atar spice mix for an extra flavor boost. Mix everything well so that all carrots are coated with the honey glaze.
Step 3: Cook High Pressure
Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure it’s in sealing position. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 2 minutes. Once done, do a quick release instant pot pressure release.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Glaze (Optional)
While waiting for the instant pot to come to pressure, you can prepare a cinnamon glaze by mixing together 3 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Step 5: Glaze the Carrots
Once the Instant Pot has released pressure and all steam has escaped from it, remove the lid carefully. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the cooked carrots onto a serving platter or bowl. If desired, drizzle some orange-honey-cinnamon glaze over the honey glazed carrots to take these Instant Pot honey roasted carrots up a notch. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
That’s it! Your Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots are ready to be devoured.
Substitutions and Variations
Well, now that you’ve become obsessed with carrots in your Instant Pot, let’s explore some ways to shake things up a bit. If you want to mix it up here are a few ideas.
First of all, if you’re not keen on honey or have dietary restrictions surrounding it, you can easily substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for the perfect glaze. You could opt for brown sugar instead of light brown sugar – this adds more depth and richness to the honey glaze.
If you’re craving an extra crunch factor in your glazed carrots recipe then try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans or almonds after removing them from the Instant Pot. This will give your dish a burst of texture and nuttiness that complements the sweetness of the carrots perfectly.
For those who love spices, you may want to introduce za’atar spice mix or crushed red pepper flakes into your carrot dish. These will add another layer of flavor and take the dish in a completely different direction. I like throwing some fresh parsley on top too – it gives it that extra pop of freshness and color.
If you’re looking to add a little more depth to the flavor profile then consider putting minced ginger or garlic into the pot before cooking the carrots. They’ll infuse beautifully with the honey and butter glaze creating delicious honey ginger carrots or honey garlic butter roasted carrots respectively. Try adding some orange juice for a tart citrus balance to these variations.
Lastly, for those who love an oven-roasted flavor but still want to use their Instant Pot, consider lightly sauteing your cut carrots in olive oil, salt, pepper and cinnamon before cooking in your Instant Pot with water and honey. This creates a cinnamon glaze that bakes right into the carrots and makes them super yummy.
Keep experimenting with these variations until you get your perfect glazed carrot recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots are ready, it’s time to think about serving and pairing! These glazed carrots are a great side dish to any meal. They add sweetness to your plate that pairs well with savory dishes. I recommend serving them alongside roasted chicken or beef, but they also go well with grilled veggies if you’re looking for something lighter.
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some za’atar spice mix and fresh parsley on top of the glazed carrots just before serving. This will add an aromatic and earthy flavor that compliments the sweet honey glaze perfectly. If you like a bit of heat, you can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over them.
If you’re going for a casual dinner or barbecue, you can serve these carrots next to burgers and hotdogs or as a side for pulled pork sandwiches. They make a great addition to any potluck or picnic too! You can serve them warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
For a complete Vietnamese-inspired meal, pair these glazed carrots with my honey ginger chicken recipe. The sweet and savory flavors of this dish perfectly complement each other, making for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Trust me; you’ll want to make extra carrots because they are always in high demand!
In summary, these Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots go well with any meat-based main dish and make an excellent addition to any potluck table or family dinner spread. Its versatility makes it perfect for almost any occasion. However, they stand out enough to be served by themselves as a snack or appetizer.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about how to make your Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots ahead of time, and how to store and reheat them.
To make these carrots ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe through step 4, then transfer the cooked carrots and glaze into an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat your carrots, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes on high. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have leftover glaze, you can store it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat until warm, then drizzle it over your reheated carrots.
One helpful tip is to slightly undercook your carrots if you plan on reheating them later. This will prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy when reheated.
Additionally, if you want to prepare this recipe in advance but don’t have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can make these roasted carrots in the oven or slow cooker. Simply follow the instructions for roasting or slow cooking your carrots with honey glaze.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking as it can be easily stored and reheated without losing its delicious flavor and texture!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me share with you some tips to ensure the honey roasted carrots turn out as perfectly as possible.
First of all, make sure to use fresh carrots. Fresh carrots will have a crispier texture and will roast better in the instant pot. Additionally, use baby carrots if available as they are already tender and sweet.
To add extra flavor, you can try using different types of honey such as honey balsamic or honey ginger. Or, you can even mix different flavors of honey together for a unique taste.
When making the honey glaze, make sure to use unsalted butter instead of salted butter to avoid over-salting the dish. You can also experiment with adding different spices to the glaze such as za’atar spice mix or crushed red pepper flakes.
To make sure the carrots cook evenly, cut them into similar sizes. If the pieces are too small, they may become mushy and if they are too large, they may not cook all the way through.
For an oven-roasted taste, broil the carrots in the oven for a few minutes after pressure cooking them in the instant pot. This will give them a charred taste and an extra crispiness that is irresistible.
Lastly, if you’re short on time, using a slow cooker or crock pot will work just as well! Cook on high for three to four hours or on low for six to eight hours for perfect results.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to elevate these honey roasted carrots recipe from basic to extraordinary!
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to make this irresistible Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots recipe, it’s time to take your taste buds on a journey. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for dinners or as a healthy snack that will keep you energized all day long.
With the use of fresh ingredients like za’atar spice mix, fresh parsley and black pepper, combined with the natural sweetness of honey and light brown sugar, these glazed carrots are not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Plus, since it takes only 15 minutes to cook from start to finish with an Instant Pot, it’s super easy to add this dish to your weekly meal plan.
So, whether you’re looking for an easy side dish or a healthy snack, this Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots recipe has got you covered. Give it a try and let us know what you think. We guarantee that once you taste these scrumptious honey-glazed carrots, you’ll never go back to plain cooked carrots again.
Instant Pot Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs small multi-colored carrots, peeled
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon za'atar spice mix (optional)
Instructions
- Set a wire rack or steamer trivet inside the bowl of a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Place the carrots on top of the rack. Pour in the water. Lock the lid and set the valve to seal. Set the cook time at high pressure for 2 minutes, and then quick release the pressure inside.
- Carefully open the lid and set the carrots aside. Discard the water in the inner pot, dry with a clean kitchen towel and set to sauté. Once hot, add in the butter and the cooked carrots. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, honey, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2 minutes until the sugar melts and the carrots are fully coated. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Za'atar seasoning, if using.
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