Description
This Easy Boiled Carrots recipe offers a simple and healthy way to prepare tender, flavorful carrots. Whether sliced at an angle or cooked whole, the carrots are boiled until just tender, then optionally enriched with butter or honey and garnished with fresh herbs for a delicious side dish suitable for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 pound carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
Seasonings and Enhancements
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for serving)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions
- Clean carrots: Rinse the carrots under cool running water to remove any dirt and debris. Use a paper or dish towel to scrub, then peel the outer skin using a vegetable peeler for a fresh and clean surface.
- Slice carrots: If you prefer sliced carrots, cut them at a bias angle to create ¼-inch thick slices. Alternatively, you can leave whole carrots intact after removing their tops, depending on your preference.
- Add salt to water: Fill a large pot with enough water to fully submerge the carrots. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and bring it to a rolling boil on the stovetop.
- Boil carrots: Carefully add the carrots to the boiling salted water. Boil sliced carrots for 4-6 minutes, baby carrots for 7-8 minutes, or whole carrots for 10-15 minutes. The carrots are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork, indicating tenderness.
- Season and serve: Remove the boiled carrots from the pot using a slotted spoon or drain them in a colander. Serve warm with optional butter or oil, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired, additional salt to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Boiling times vary by carrot size: sliced carrots cook faster than whole ones.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
- Butter and honey are optional but lend a nice richness and sweetness to the carrots.
- For a vegan option, use oil instead of butter and omit honey or replace with maple syrup.
- Boiling carrots preserves their natural sweetness and nutrients if not overcooked.
