Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans: A Delicious and Easy Side Dish
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans is a simple yet flavorful side dish that combines tender-crisp vegetables with a sweet and tangy glaze. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional vegetable sides, making it a perfect accompaniment for any meal. With its vibrant color and delicious taste, this dish is not only healthy but also visually appealing, making it a favorite at family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
There are numerous reasons to try Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans. First, the combination of honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Second, this dish is easy to prepare and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish! Lastly, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare this delicious 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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off the stem ends. Peel the carrots and cut them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces diagonally. If using baby carrots, you can use them whole or halve them lengthwise.
- Make the honey glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 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. Pour the honey glaze over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Roast the vegetables: Spread the glazed vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the carrots are tender-crisp and the green beans are bright green.
- Broil for caramelization (optional): For an extra caramelized finish, broil the vegetables for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the vegetables rest for a minute before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans can be served hot alongside any main dish, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. The vibrant colors and glossy finish make this dish a standout on the table. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh parsley for an appealing presentation.
How to Store Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Be careful not to overcook when reheating, as the vegetables can become mushy.
Tips to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
- Freshness is key: Opt for fresh carrots and green beans for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust sweetness: You can modify the amount of honey based on your taste preferences. For a less sweet dish, reduce the honey by half.
- Add crunch: For extra crunch, consider tossing in some slivered almonds or walnuts before serving.
Variations
Feel free to customize this dish to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Add other vegetables: Try adding Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for variety.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Herb alternatives: Instead of dried thyme, you can use fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots and green beans. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before coating with the glaze.
Q2: Is this recipe vegan?
You can make this recipe vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Simply combine them just before roasting to ensure freshness.
Get ready to enjoy Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, a delightful dish that’s both easy to make and sure to impress!
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off the stem ends. Peel the carrots and cut them into roughly 1-inch thick pieces diagonally. If using baby carrots, you can use them whole or halve them lengthwise.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the prepared carrots and green beans in a large bowl. Pour the honey glaze over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Spread the glazed vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the carrots are tender-crisp and the green beans are bright green.
- For an extra caramelized finish, broil the vegetables for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the vegetables rest for a minute before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds.
