This sweet and savory Giada Smoky Candied Carrots dish is prepared using carrots, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This recipe is a side dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4-6 people.
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 bunches of baby carrots, tops trimmed and carrots washed
- ¼ cup smoked brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
How To Make Giada Smoky Candied Carrots
- Bring to a Boil: Add 1 cup water to a pan over high heat, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to simmer vigorously until the liquid has thickened to a syrup and the carrots are fork-tender, about 12 minutes.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the carrots to coat them in the smoky syrup and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Smoky Spice Level: Adjust the level of smokiness to your taste by adding more or less smoked paprika, and balance the flavor with a pinch of sugar to counteract the heat.
- Roasting Time: For tender and caramelized carrots, roast them for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork, and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Carrot Color Variety: Use a mix of colorful carrots, such as orange, yellow, and purple, to add visual appeal to the dish and create a stunning presentation.
- Glaze it Up: Take the dish to the next level by adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds to enhance the flavors and textures.
- Make it a Meal: Transform the smoky candied carrots into a satisfying meal by serving them as a side to roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or as a vegetarian main course with quinoa and avocado.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
Can I use regular brown sugar instead of smoked brown sugar?
While regular brown sugar will work, you will miss out on the smoky flavor. Smoked brown sugar adds a distinct flavor dimension.
Do I need to peel the baby carrots?
No, leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before using.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, cook the carrots up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the smoky syrup keep?
The syrup will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use it as a glaze for meats or as a dip.
Check out More Giada Recipes:
- Giada De Laurentiis Cheesy Polenta
- Giada De Laurentiis Noodle Paella
- Giada Flank Steak With Roasted Grapes And Mushrooms
Giada Smoky Candied Carrots
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes12
minutes120
kcalThis sweet and savory Giada Smoky Candied Carrots dish is prepared using carrots, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This recipe is a side dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4-6 people.
Ingredients
2 bunches of baby carrots, tops trimmed and carrots washed
¼ cup smoked brown sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
- Bring to a Boil: Add 1 cup water to a pan over high heat, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to simmer vigorously until the liquid has thickened to a syrup and the carrots are fork-tender, about 12 minutes.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the carrots to coat them in the smoky syrup and serve.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories120
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
5g
8%
- Saturated Fat 0g 0%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 200mg 9%
- Total Carbohydrate
28g
10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 1g 2%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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