If you aren’t eating carrots regularly, you’re missing out on both a tasty side dish and excellent ingredient, and a great source of vitamin A. In fact, carrots can be used in so many different ways, they’re one of the most versatile vegetables available. They work well in both savory and sweet dishes, and can be cooked a variety of different ways. Here are some basic tips for how to cook carrots. Once you master these basics, you can build on them to create more complex carrot dishes. Let’s get started!
How to Steam Carrots
Steaming is a popular way of cooking carrots. Start by cutting 2-3 carrots into 3 inch long strips. Fill bottom of saucepan with water and heat on high until boiling. Add in a steamer basket (or a wire colander that fits snugly into the saucepan) that sits right above the water. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots into the steamer basket and cover tightly with a lid so that the steam doesn’t escape. Steam for 10 minutes or until carrots are soft and tender. Toss lightly with butter, a sprinkle of salt, and garlic. Serve warm.
How to Mash Carrots
For a side that’s a bit different, try mashed carrots – a dish similar to mashed sweet potatoes. Start by washing and cutting two large carrots into one inch pieces. Boil water in a large saucepan. Add 1 tsp of salt to water. Once the water is boiling, add cut carrots and return to a boil. Then, reduce heat and cover, simmering for 25 minutes. Take carrots off of heat and drain. Add 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice, 2 Tbsp of butter, and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon. Mash with a potato masher and mix well.
How to Boil Carrots
One of the most simple ways to cook carrots is to boil them. Boiling them creates a vegetable that’s soft and easy to eat, and also a delicious ingredient in other dishes. To start, wash and cut 2-3 large carrots into 3 inch pieces. Be sure to cut off the top of the carrot, as well as the tip. Bring a large saucepan full of water to boil on the stovetop. Once boiling, add carrots, cover, and boil for 25-30 minutes or until carrots are tender enough to easily stick a fork through. Once finished, drain carrots and mix in 1 Tbsp of butter to season. Serve warm.
What’s your favorite method of cooking carrots? Do you have a favorite carrot recipe? Share with us in the comments!
Personally,I like to take young organic carrots, rub them well with olive oil and roast them until they are soft inside and browning just a bit on the inside. (I don’t peel them.) It keeps all the vitamins and flavor inside the carrot.
Very Tasty Sherry! Thanks for commenting!