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Easy Apple Cider Glazed Carrots with Thyme

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Tender carrots are cooked in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze with fresh thyme, creating a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for weeknights or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch sticks
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the carrots. Peel the carrots and trim off the tops and tips. Cut them on a diagonal into pieces about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. If your carrots are very thick at the top, cut those pieces in half lengthwise so everything cooks evenly. Set them aside.
  2. Start the glaze base. Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and the pinch of cayenne if you are using it. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and salt. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the carrots. Carefully add the carrot sticks to the boiling cider mixture. They should be in a single layer, or close to it. Reduce the heat to medium so the liquid stays at a steady simmer.
  4. Cook and turn. Let the carrots cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Every 3 to 4 minutes, use your tongs to turn them gently. The liquid will be reducing and getting slightly syrupy. The carrots should be starting to soften but still have some resistance when you poke them with a fork.
  5. Add the butter and thyme. After 10 minutes, scatter the butter pieces over the carrots and sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves. Stir gently to combine. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, turning the carrots occasionally.
  6. Check for doneness. The carrots are ready when they are tender all the way through but still hold their shape. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the glaze looks too thin, cook for another minute or two. If it looks too thick and is starting to stick to the pan, add a splash of apple cider or water and stir.
  7. Finish and serve. Once the carrots are tender and the glaze is glossy, remove the pan from the heat. Taste one carrot and adjust the seasoning. Transfer the carrots to a serving platter, pouring any remaining glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Notes

For best results, cut carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Keep an eye on the glaze during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. Make ahead: cook carrots in cider until almost tender, then cool. Reheat gently and add butter and thyme to finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider glazed carrots, glazed carrots, carrot side dish, easy carrot recipe, holiday side dish, thyme carrots

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-apple-cider-glazed-carrots-with-thyme/