These honey glazed carrots and green beans are a tasty side dish that combines sweetness with crunch. The honey gives them a nice shine and a delicious flavor that kids love!
Honestly, I could snack on these veggies all day! They’re super easy to make—just toss them in honey, sauté, and watch those smiles at the dinner table grow larger!
I love serving these alongside any meal because they add a pop of color and taste buds’ delight. Plus, they’re healthy and always a hit with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, perfect for glazing. If you’re out of baby carrots, use regular carrots cut into sticks. They’ll still taste great!
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for crunch. Canned or frozen beans can work, but fresh ones give that lovely bite and color.
Honey: Honey offers sweetness and a nice glaze. If you’re looking for a different flavor, maple syrup works beautifully as a substitute!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can use coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free version. Each will give a different but tasty flavor!
How Do I Sauté Vegetables for the Best Flavor?
Sautéing properly is essential to achieving a delicious result. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet and a splash of oil; this prevents sticking and helps veggies cook evenly.
- Add your veggies in stages—carrots first, then green beans—so everything cooks just right without getting mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this will steam instead of sauté the vegetables.
- Keep stirring gently to ensure they cook evenly and pick up a bit of color.
Following these steps will bring out the best flavors and textures in your dish!
Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Veggies:
- 1 lb baby carrots (a mix of orange and yellow if possible)
- 1/2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
For The Glaze:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty side dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy way to add a burst of color and flavor to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by rinsing the baby carrots under cold water and trimming the ends off the green beans. This will get them nice and clean for cooking!
2. Cooking the Carrots:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the baby carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to soften a bit and start to become a nice golden color.
3. Adding the Green Beans:
Now it’s time to add the green beans! Toss them into the skillet with the carrots and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly! You’re looking for both veggies to be tender but still slightly crunchy.
4. Making the Honey Glaze:
Next, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the butter, honey, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the glaze. This is where the magic happens!
5. Finishing Up:
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the honey glaze thickens up a bit and gives the veggies a beautiful shine. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
6. Garnishing:
Once done, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and give it another light toss. This adds a lovely fresh touch!
7. Serve:
Your colorful honey glazed carrots and green beans are ready to be served warm! They make a perfect sweet side dish for any meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen carrots and green beans! Just make sure to thaw them first and dry them well to avoid excess moisture in the pan. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly since frozen veggies can release water while cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar sweetness. Brown sugar dissolved in a bit of water also works in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in a skillet or microwave. You might want to add a touch of fresh butter or a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even snap peas. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.