These honey glazed carrots and green beans are a colorful side dish that’s both sweet and crunchy. With just a drizzle of honey, they become extra tasty!
Seriously, who knew veggies could taste this good? I love how easy they are to make—just toss, sauté, and serve! They pair perfectly with any dinner, bringing smiles all around!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: I love using baby carrots for their bite-sized convenience. If you can’t find them, you can use regular carrots cut into similar-sized pieces. They have a great sweetness that works perfectly with the glaze.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans bring a nice crunch to the dish. If they’re not available, frozen green beans work too—just make sure they’re thawed and drained well before cooking.
Honey: Honey is the star of this recipe, giving a lovely sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, though the flavor will change slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt in the recipe. You can use olive oil if you want a dairy-free option; just add a little richness with nuts like slivered almonds.
How Do You Get the Perfect Honey Glaze?
Achieving a great honey glaze is all about timing and temperature. After sautéing the carrots and green beans, drizzling honey allows it to coat evenly. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure your veggies are partially cooked before adding honey; this prevents burning.
- Cook for just a few minutes after adding honey to allow it to thicken without burning.
- Stir gently to ensure even coating; use a spatula to lift the vegetables for thorough coverage.
This way, you’ll end up with beautifully glazed carrots and beans, every time! Enjoy!
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and cooking. This dish is quick and easy to whip up, making it the perfect side for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Vegetables:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add in the baby carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes, just until they begin to soften a little.
Next, toss in the fresh green beans with the carrots. Blanch them together for an additional 3 minutes. You’re looking for bright green beans that are still tender-crisp.
2. Preparing for Sautéing:
After blanching, drain the carrots and green beans. To stop the cooking and keep their colors bright, transfer them immediately into a bowl filled with ice water. Leave them there for a minute or so. Once chilled, drain again and set the veggies aside.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil and butter over medium heat until all melted and combined. After that, add the drained carrots and green beans to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn a light golden brown.
4. Adding the Honey Glaze:
Now comes the fun part! Drizzle the honey over the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the veggies evenly with honey. Allow them to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This is where the honey caramelizes slightly to create that delicious glaze.
5. Season and Serve:
Once everything is nicely glistening, season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your taste. Remove from heat and transfer the beautiful veggies to a serving dish. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Enjoy these sweet and crunchy honey glazed carrots and green beans warm!
This simple yet flavorful side dish highlights the natural sweetness of carrots and green beans, enhanced beautifully by a honey glaze caramelized to perfection. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen baby carrots and green beans! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Dish?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey to 1 tablespoon or even half a tablespoon. You can also balance the sweetness with a splash of lemon juice for added brightness!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can blanch the carrots and green beans a few hours in advance. Just keep them submerged in ice water and refrigerate until you’re ready to sauté and glaze them. This will save you prep time when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave or sauté in a pan for a few minutes, adding a touch of olive oil to revive the glaze.