| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 230 | 7g | 4g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 4g | 2g | 0.85g |
Why I Love Irish Whiskey-Glazed Carrots
As a lover of comfort food and traditional dishes, my culinary journey has brought me to a delightful dish that embodies a blend of Irish culture and Southern charms. Let me introduce you to the enchanting creation: the Whiskey-Glazed Carrots.
Drawn to the Irish Flair
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, my kitchen creations often brim with Southern influence. However, at times, I love to venture beyond and explore the vast food spectrum. This was one of those occasions when I stumbled upon a creation by the renowned Irish chef, Rachel Allen. Her recipes have always been a source of admiration and inspiration, and her take on glazed vegetables, in particular, motivated me to add my own spin and create the Whiskey-Glazed Carrots.
Paying Homage to Southern Cuisine
The Whiskey-Glazed Carrots are an ode to traditional Southern sides, reminding me of sweet potato casseroles and bourbon-flavored glazes. In no way is this dish a simple side; it is a powerhouse packed with flavors and occasional indulgence that only whiskey can bring. Yes, it deviates from my norm of seafood and biscuits, but once in a while, an adventure into the new keeps the culinary journey exciting!
This dish has a unique depth of flavor, with a hint of warmth from whiskey, which is balanced out by the sweetness of brown sugar and earthiness of carrots. The result is a savory, sweet, and slightly boozy side dish that elevates any meal, especially when served alongside a hearty roast or a flavorful chicken dish.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also simple to prepare, perfect for any occasions. Whether you’re throwing a holiday feast, prepping a low-key Sunday dinner, or even introducing a bit of Irish flare to your family’s Southern table, this side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
- 2 pounds of carrots, cut into thick rounds
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method
Step One:
Begin by preparing your carrots. They should be cut into thick rounds, ensuring consistency in size for even cooking.
Step Two:
Next, in a large skillet melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. This will form the base for your whiskey glaze.
Step Three:
Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until it fully dissolves. This will give your glaze a rich, sweet flavor.
Step Four:
Now it’s time to add your Irish whiskey, stirring continuously to combine it with the butter and sugar. Be careful with the heat during this step as alcohol is flammable.
Step Five:
Add the thickly cut carrots to the skillet, stirring them to ensure they are fully coated in the whiskey glaze.
Step Six:
Reduce the heat to a simmer, and add water to the skillet. This will help the carrots to cook and soften, without burning or sticking to the skillet.
Step Seven:
Add the salt and black pepper to the skillet and stir to coat the carrots. Cook until the carrots are tender and fully caramelized in the whiskey glaze.
Step Eight:
Once the carrots are cooked to perfection, they are ready to serve! Enjoy your Whiskey-Glazed Carrots as a delicious side dish.
