These honey glazed carrots and green beans are a perfect combo of sweetness and crunch! Coated in a light honey glaze, they make any meal feel special. Yum!
I love how colorful and tasty this side dish is! It’s super quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy nights or fancy dinners. Plus, kids love the sweet touch—win-win! 🥕🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: I love using a mix of orange and yellow baby carrots for a colorful dish. If you can’t find them, regular chopped carrots work just fine—just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the best for this recipe. If they aren’t in season or hard to find, you can substitute with frozen green beans. Just thaw them first.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a balanced flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute instead.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. For a vegan version, maple syrup or agave syrup works wonderfully, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Garlic: While optional, minced garlic enhances the flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using garlic powder instead.
How Do I Get the Vegetables Just Right?
The key to perfectly cooked carrots and green beans is timing. Boiling them first helps to soften them while preserving their crunch. Here’s how to manage it:
- Start by boiling the baby carrots for 5 minutes and then add the green beans. Cook both for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Drain them and let them sit for a moment to lose extra moisture before adding them to the skillet. This ensures they get that nice glaze without turning soggy.
Remember to toss the veggies in the skillet until they’re coated in the honey glaze and slightly caramelized—this brings out their natural sweetness!
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Vegetables:
- 1 lb baby carrots (a mix of orange and yellow if possible)
- 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
For the Glaze:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
To Taste:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delightful side dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby carrots and cook them for about 5 minutes, just until they are tender yet still crisp. Now, add the green beans to the same pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and remain tender-crisp. Drain the vegetables and set them aside for now.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until the butter is melted and bubbling. If you’re using garlic, add the minced clove to the skillet and sauté it gently for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add Honey and Glaze the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the honey and mix it well with the butter and oil to create a lovely glaze. Now, add the cooked carrots and green beans to the skillet. Toss them gently to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated in the sweet honey glaze.
4. Cook Until Perfect:
Continue cooking the coated vegetables in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows them to get a bit tender, slightly caramelized, and beautifully shiny from the glaze.
5. Season and Serve:
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once everything is well combined and delicious, transfer the honey glazed carrots and green beans to a serving plate. Give them a lovely finishing touch by sprinkling with the finely chopped fresh parsley.
6. Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy this sweet and savory vegetable side dish—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen carrots and green beans! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables can release moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or use additional olive oil. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for the glaze.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil can help keep them moist.
What Other Herbs Can I Use for Garnish?
If you don’t have parsley, other fresh herbs like thyme or dill work beautifully too! They can add a different flavor profile and fresh touch to the dish.
