Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish
This Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, transforming simple vegetables into a truly memorable dish. Perfect for a Healthy Dinner With Green Beans, a holiday feast like Thanksgiving, or a weeknight meal, this recipe is a versatile and flavorful addition to any Vegetable Menu Ideas. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the fresh, crisp Green Beans, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will appeal to even the pickiest eaters. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more fresh veggies into your diet and discover new, exciting ways to enjoy classic vegetables. This recipe is also a great source of essential nutrients, making it a Healthy Yummy Side Dishes option for the entire family. Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving Veggies Recipes or simply seeking innovative Vegetable Recipes, this Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe is sure to impress.
Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and trim the green beans. Peel and chop the carrots if using large ones. Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, mix the honey, olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil to make the glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly tender.
- Add green beans and cook for another 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Pour in the honey glaze and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Simmer on low for 2–3 minutes until glaze thickens slightly. Stir to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients List
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the ingredients required for the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe, including detailed descriptions, nutritional benefits, and healthy alternatives.
Detailed Description of Ingredients and Exact Quantities
- Fresh Green Beans (1 pound): Opt for young, tender Green Beans for the best flavor and texture. Look for beans that are firm and bright green, without any blemishes or discoloration.
- Carrots (1 pound): Choose carrots that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored. You can use baby carrots for convenience or peel and chop larger carrots into evenly sized pieces.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Use a high-quality, raw honey for the best flavor and nutritional benefits. Honey adds a natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the vegetables.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Extra virgin olive oil provides a healthy fat and enhances the flavor of the vegetables. It also helps them to caramelize beautifully in the pan.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Low-sodium soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness. White wine vinegar can be substituted.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season the vegetables generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish): Toasted sesame seeds add a visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (optional, chopped, for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Green Beans: Green Beans are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
- Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. Carrots are also a good source of fiber and potassium.
- Honey: Honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It is a natural sweetener that provides a more complex flavor than refined sugar.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy monounsaturated fat that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Healthy or Alternative Ingredient Options
- Sugar-Free Honey Substitute: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar-free honey substitute, such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia, to reduce the sugar content of the dish.
- Coconut Aminos: Coconut aminos can be used as a soy-free alternative to soy sauce. It has a similar savory flavor but is lower in sodium.
- Different Types of Vinegar: Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar, to add a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to increase the nutritional value and add variety.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile and still retain the natural sweetener component. Make sure it’s pure maple syrup.
Preparation Instructions
This section provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for preparing the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans, including pre-preparation guidelines, the cooking process, and tips for avoiding common errors and enhancing flavor.
Pre-Preparation Guidelines
- Wash and Trim the Green Beans: Rinse the Green Beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends by snapping them off with your fingers or using a knife.
- Prepare the Carrots: Peel the carrots (if using large carrots) and chop them into evenly sized pieces. If using baby carrots, simply rinse them.
- Mince the Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Prepare the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Carrots: Add the carrots to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the Green Beans to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Pour in the Honey Glaze: Pour the honey glaze over the carrots and Green Beans and stir to coat evenly.
- Simmer and Glaze: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the vegetables are nicely glazed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Season the vegetables with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. This is a great Recipe Side Dishes option.
Tips for Avoiding Common Errors and Enhancing Flavor
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: The goal is to have crisp-tender vegetables, not mushy ones. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of the dish will be greatly enhanced by using high-quality, fresh ingredients.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or until they are lightly browned.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Ensure the vegetables have enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use a wok: A wok is ideal for this recipe as it distributes heat evenly and allows for quick cooking.
Serving Suggestions & Nutritional Info
This section provides innovative plating and presentation ideas, suitable side dish pairings, and detailed nutritional information for the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe.
Innovative Plating and Presentation Ideas
- Elegant Plating: Arrange the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans on a serving platter, creating a visually appealing presentation. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the vegetables and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh parsley.
- Individual Bowls: Serve the vegetables in individual bowls for a more casual presentation. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a sprig of parsley.
- Garnish with Citrus: Add a few slices of orange or lemon to the platter for a pop of color and a burst of citrus flavor.
- Use Edible Flowers: Garnish the dish with edible flowers for a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
- Create a Vegetable Medley: Combine the Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans with other roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to create a colorful and flavorful vegetable medley. This adds variety to your Side Vegetables.
Suitable Side Dishes and Pairings
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: The Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans pair perfectly with grilled chicken or fish, providing a balanced and healthy meal. These are great Sides For Dinner.
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of the glaze complements the savory flavor of roasted pork tenderloin.
- Quinoa or Rice: Serve the vegetables over a bed of quinoa or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes provides a nice contrast to the crisp-tender vegetables.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the sweetness of the vegetables.
Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 8% |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 200mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 18% |
| Total Sugars | 10g | |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 100% | |
| Vitamin C | 25% | |
| Calcium | 6% | |
| Iron | 4% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
This Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe is a delicious and nutritious way to add more vegetables to your diet. It’s a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it’s low in calories and fat. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s a fantastic option for a Fresh Veggie Side Dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen Green Beans and carrots for this recipe?
A: While fresh vegetables are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen Green Beans and carrots in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet or microwave and add the honey glaze.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to increase the nutritional value and add variety. This is a great way to customize the recipe to your liking.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.
Q: Can I use different types of oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other healthy oils, such as avocado oil or coconut oil. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.
Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or oven until heated through.
This Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a Thanksgiving veggie recipe, or a quick and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this amazing Recipe Side Dishes option and elevate your Vegetable Recipes game!
