| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 140 | 8g | 5g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 1g | 0.3g |
When I first came across the recipe for Tarragon Buttered Carrots, I was instantly taken back to my humble Nebraskan roots, where farm-fresh ingredients were king. The enticing combination of sweet, earthy carrots and the distinct anise-like flavor of tarragon brings an element of Midwestern comfort to this exciting dish. This recipe has since become one of my all-time favorites and highlights the simplicity and freshness I strive for in my cooking.
Unearthing the Heritage
For me, cooking is far more than just a meal on a plate; it’s a thread that weaves through families, connecting us through shared experiences and cherished traditions. Tarragon Buttered Carrots encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. It reminds me of the simple yet sublime dishes served up at my neighborhood church’s potluck dinners, evoking memories of family gatherings where the love for food was as overwhelming as the community spirit.
Nutritional Perks
There’s more to this dish than meets the eye. Apart from its delectable taste, it is also quite the nutritional powerhouse. Carrots are known for their high content of beta carotene, which turns into vitamin A in the body. This supports the immune system and promotes eye health. Meanwhile, tarragon, often overlooked in the spice cabinet, has a wealth of benefits of its own. Among these are its potential antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which contribute to your overall health.
Complementing Flavors
The versatility of Tarragon Buttered Carrots makes it an ideal accompaniment for a wide variety of dishes. It pairs perfectly with a juicy beef stew, the robust flavors of the stew beautifully offset by the sweetness and brightness of the carrots. This recipe also draws parallels with honey roasted carrots and would work well with other vegetable-based dishes focusing on highlighting individual flavors.
As we continue to explore and share in the bounty of the heartland, I hope this recipe for Tarragon Buttered Carrots finds a place at your table too. Not just for its delightful and comforting flavor, but as a loving ode to the togetherness and community spirit that Midwestern cooking represents. And maybe, just maybe, it might help us see that the essence of cooking is not only about gourmet ingredients and complicated techniques, but also about celebrating our shared roots and cherishing the simple joy of good food.
What You’ll Need
- 10 medium-sized carrots
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of fresh tarragon, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling your carrots and cutting them into slices or batons. Make sure they are of the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
Step Two
Get a skillet and melt the butter over a medium heat. It’s important to use unsalted butter to accurately control the seasoning of your dish. Add the carrots to the skillet once the butter has melted.
Step Three
Cook the carrots in the pan over medium heat for around 10 to 15 minutes until they start to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Step Four
Next, season your carrots. Add the chopped fresh tarragon for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Fresh herbs are always best in this type of dish, but dried tarragon can be used in its place if necessary. Then sprinkle with salt and black pepper, using them to season to your taste. Remember to stir well to distribute the seasoning equally.
Step Five
Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Once the carrots are tender and the tarragon is fragrant, your tarragon buttered carrots are ready to serve. Enjoy them hot as a colorful and flavorful side dish for your main meals.
