Simplicity is bliss. These simple sweet and sour carrots go well with most beef and poultry dishes, and are quick and easy to make. Just a light glaze on these darlings help to take them to the next level. Kids and adults approved!
What you Need to Make Sweet and Sour Carrots:
These sweet and sour carrots will be a hit in your home; serve them as a side dish for everyday suppers or even at holiday gatherings. The flavors are so well-balanced you’ll go back for seconds every time.
Sweet and Sour Carrots Ingredients
- Carrots
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh or dried parsley or dill
How to Make Sweet and Sour Carrots
This is simply one of the easiest side dishes to make. Limited ingredients required, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side fit for any occasion.
- Peel and slice the carrots into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced carrots to the saucepan and sauté for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots, continue to cook stirring occasionally for another 3-4 minutes. The sugar begins to caramelize and coat the carrots.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the sweet and sour carrots from the heat and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve your Sweet and Sour Carrots as a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Why You’ll Love Sweet and Sour Carrots
- Perfect Balance: These Sweet and Sour Carrots give the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making them a winning addition to most any meal.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. A go-to side dish for busy weeknight dinners.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy the sweet, caramelized taste of these carrots making them a family-friendly favorite.
- Vibrant Color: The carrots vibrant orange color adds a touch of brightness to your plate.
- Versatile Side: Serve these carrots alongside your favorite dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled fish for a burst of flavor and color.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Uniform Slicing: Slice the carrots into uniform rounds or sticks. This helps them cook consistently for a uniform and pleasing texture.
- Test for Doneness: Check the carrots for doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick. They should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Nobody likes a mushy carrot.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more sugar or honey. For more tang, increase the apple cider vinegar. Also, consider adding white vinegar.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving. These add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
- Enhance with Spices: Experiment with spices like ginger or red pepper flakes to add some depth and a hint of heat.
Simple Sweet and Sour Carrots
These sweet and sour carrots will be a hit in your home; serve them as a side dish for everyday suppers or even at holiday gatherings.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick rounds
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- chopped fresh parsley or dill, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and slice the carrots into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced carrots to the saucepan and sauté for 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the carrots, continue to cook stirring occasionally for another 3-4 minutes. The sugar begins to caramelize and coat the carrots.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the sweet and sour carrots from the heat and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve your Sweet and Sour Carrots as a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 279mgPotassium: 264mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 12747IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried our recipe?We would love to know how it was!
