Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (2024)

by Scott Groth 10 Comments

Braised carrots can't possibly taste this good... but they do in this butter braised carrots recipe. The secret is good carrots, quality butter and a hot pan!

This butter braised carrotsrecipe is:Paleo, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Primal, Vegetarian and Wheat Belly friendly.

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (1)

You're not going to believe just how tasty this butter braised carrots recipe is going to turn out.

These carrots aren't the mushy, flavorless carrots that you grew up with. Nope. Instead, you're going to find that these butter braised carrots are bursting with flavor. They pair perfectly with thyme and compliment just about any protein.

If you're going to serve a side dish you might as well make it something that people will be raving about. This recipe will create raving fans!

WHAT ARE BRAISED CARROTS?

Braised carrots are carrots which have beenlightly sauteed and then cooked slowly in a closed pan with liquid. If the braising liquid covers the carrots, they will be boiled carrots, not braised. Without some type of braising liquid, the carrots would only be sauteed.

HOW TO PREPARE BRAISED CARROTS

Start off either cutting the carrots on the diagonal or by using theroll cut technique. A roll cut (also known as the oblique cut) starts with a diagonal cut on the carrot, then you roll it ¼ turn, cut again on the diagonal and continue until you have processed the whole carrot. This type of cut keeps all of the carrot pieces about the same size so they cook more uniformly.

HOW TO MAKE BRAISED CARROTS

Once you have the carrots cut uniformly, add in butter and a little olive oil to a hot pan. This will create a nice sear on the carrots.

Next, add in the thyme and wait for a nice caramelization to start on the carrots.

After the carrots are caramelized, let the pan cool a bit. Add inabout ½ cup of beef stock, covering the pan and allowing the carrots to finish cooking. The stock and butter will make a delightful glaze on the carrots.

They are just so good. Make more than you might need because they will disappear off the table!

WHAT TYPE OF PAN IS GOOD FOR BRAISING?

Any type of heavy bottom pan with a tight fitting lid is great for braising.

Here's a list of good pans for braising:

  1. Stainless Steel Skillet with domed cover.
  2. Enameled Cast Iron Casserole.
  3. Cast Iron Covered Skillet.
  4. Stainless Steel Saute Pan with Lid.

KITCHEN SAFETY TIP:

PLEASE READ!Before adding the water to the pan, you must let the pan (and the hot oil)cool first. Adding cold water to hot oil will cause the water toexplodeinto steam, which will result insplattering of hot oil all over the stove and kitchen. If you are using a gas range, this couldcatch the oil on fire. To avoid all this, allow the pan to COOL for a couple minutes before adding in the warm beef stock. You can warm the beef stockup in the microwave or on the stove- your choice!

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WHAT DO BRAISED CARROTS TASTE LIKE?

You will find thatcarrots just take on a whole new flavor profile when they are cooked with this method. Sweet with a delicious nutty flavor from the browned butter coats the tongue while the slight lemony bitterness of the thyme cuts through the fat. The results are truly wonderful.

WHAT DO YOU PAIR BRAISED CARROTS WITH?

Really, I think that this would pair perfectlywith just about any grilled meat. Pork chops, steaks, lamb, chicken or turkey. Thecarrots probably have too much flavor to go with fish or other seafood. Definitely pair this with ahighly tannic wine like a bordeaux!

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (2)

THINKING ABOUT OTHER SIDE DISHES?

Here are some great recipes:

Creamy Mashed Potato Recipe
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Sauteed Zucchini with Thyme
Lemon Butter French Green Beans
Roasted Carrot and Fennel Puree

Hope that you enjoyed this delicious butter braised carrots recipe. We're going to make it again next week!

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (3)

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (4)

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (5)

Yield: 6 servings

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe

Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (6)

Sweet with a delicious nutty flavor from the browned butter coats the tongue while the slight lemony bitterness of the thyme cuts through the fat. The results are truly wonderful.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 LBS Carrots, Multi Colored Carrots Peeled and Roll Cut (see above for more info on Roll Cut)
  • 3 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 2-3 Pinches Salt
  • 1 Pinch Fresh Cracked Pepper
  • ½ Cup Beef Stock, warmed

Instructions

  1. In a large, heavy bottom saute pan, add the butter and olive oil. Heat over high heat. When the butter has melted, add in the carrots, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
  2. When the carrots have browned a bit and look super delicious, turn the heat to medium-low, but remove the pan and set aside for 1-2 minutes to allow the oil to cool.
  3. When the pan has cooled a bit, add in the warm beef stock and cover. Allow to cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the carrots are fork tender.
  4. Remove from the heat, taste and adjust the seasoning.
  5. Serve hot and happy eating!

Notes

If there is too much liquid in the pan after you add the stock and allow to cook, pour it out!

Nutrition Information

Yield

6
Amount Per ServingCalories 141

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Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (7)

About Scott Groth

Scott Groth has gone from a burned out, overweight executive to a professional food blogger, chef, low carb + keto enthusiast. His style is fun, fresh, and family-friendly. Learn more about Scott in his bio, discover the story behind this blog, and learn about his incredible low-carb journey.

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Comments

  1. Sean Hoppenfelder says

    Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (8)
    I couldn't find any rainbow carrots, so I just used the good old fashioned orange carrots. Didn't do the roll cut either, just cut them up and added them to the pan. Came out really tasty.

    Reply

    • Scott Groth says

      Hey Sean:
      Sounds delicious to me! Good to see you've managed to adjust it.
      Thank you for taking the time to write.
      Take care and happy eating!
      Scott

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […] take about 4 minutes. Larger cuts of meat such as a pork shoulder could take up to 8 hours. Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme take about 20 minutes (including prep time) and will change your outlook on cooked […]

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  2. […] GET THE RECIPE […]

    Reply

  3. […] dish to go with some asparagus with shallots (recipe coming soon!), definitely awesome with somebutter braised carrots with thyme or even my caramelizedSauteed Brussel Sprouts. If all else fails, a simple salad with dijon […]

    Reply

  4. […] brussel sprout recipe or a truly simple roasted cauliflower. For something truly unique, give the butter braised carrots a try… it’s simple and […]

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  5. […] or bacon sauteed spinach? Looking for something a little different? Try these two sides:butter and thyme braised carrotsand creamed leeks! Eitherwould be just divine. Serve any of these up with a nice Bordeaux […]

    Reply

  6. […] broccoli recipe, mySauteed Spinach with Bacon & Shallotsor even with myButter Braised Carrots with Thyme.They are all really tasty and easy weeknight meal options for the whole […]

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  7. […] Butter French Green Beans Butter Braised Carrots Bratwurst and Buttered Cabbage How to Saute Onions Pan Seared Pork Chops Flat Iron Pan Seared […]

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  8. […] finally, if you really want a lot less heat: try my Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme recipe. No heat. Tons of […]

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Butter Braised Carrots with Thyme Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay cook carrots? ›

Cooking instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan, then add the carrots and parsnips and toss to coat in the oil. Add the thyme, cinnamon, star anise and some seasoning. Cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the vegetables frequently, until golden brown and almost cooked through.

How do you cut carrots for braising? ›

Slice your carrots in half and put the smaller ends aside. Slice the larger (stem) ends in half lengthwise. Add the oil to your cast-iron pan or a large saucepan and heat until very hot but not smoking. Place the carrots in the pan, arranging those you sliced in half flat side down.

What flavors go well with carrots? ›

For example, carrots are said to pair exceptionally well with butter, ginger, lemon, maple syrup, orange, parsley, and sugar. Other ingredients that are said to pair well with carrots include cinnamon, coriander, dill, lime, spearmint, olive oil, parsnips, salt, tarragon, thyme, etc.

How long does it take for carrots to soften on simmer? ›

Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and let the carrots steam for another 2 minutes. Carrots are now cooked through.

What makes carrots taste better? ›

If you're roasting your carrots, toss them in olive oil first. This will help keep the moisture in them. To bring out the sweetness in your carrots, season them with orange or lemon juice or a little brown sugar and butter. You can also add cardamom to make carrot deserts, like Indian carrot halwa.

Is it better to steam or bake carrots? ›

No matter which way you cook them, carrots are a healthy choice. Steaming is a slightly better pick since the carrots don't lose as many of their nutrients to the water. (Steaming is also more environmentally friendly since it uses less water.)

Which is an appropriate way of braising vegetables? ›

Arrange the vegetables in tight single layer in a baking dish, gratin, or shallow braising pan, pour in the liquid, add seasonings, and a drizzle of fat. Cover tightly and cook over a medium-low burner or in a low oven (around 325°) until tender, anywhere from 1/2 to 2 hours depending on the vegetables.

What cuts are best for braising? ›

With this in mind, you'll want to consider the absolute best cuts of meat for braising.
  • Beef Short Rib. creativesunday/Shutterstock. ...
  • Pork Shoulder. Marcos Castillo/Shutterstock. ...
  • Chicken Thighs. Kravtzov/Shutterstock. ...
  • Oxtail. richardernestyap/Shutterstock. ...
  • Point-Cut Brisket. ...
  • Pork Spare Ribs. ...
  • Chuck Roast. ...
  • Lamb Shoulder.
Jan 30, 2023

What not to mix carrots with? ›

For the same reason, one shouldn't mix orange with carrot as when taken together, they may cause heartburn and excess bile reflux. Only a few fruits are starchy in nature. These include green bananas and plantains.

What is the tastiest carrot? ›

Favorite Flavorful Carrot Varieties
  • 'Danvers'
  • 'Purple Haze'
  • 'Cosmic Purple'
  • 'Dragon'
  • 'Scarlet Nantes'
  • 'Paris Market'

What meat pairs best with carrots? ›

Roasted carrots go with all proteins – chicken, pork, lamb, beef, seafood. Specifically, I find it best to serve roast chicken fresh out of the oven so these carrots don't make an appearance on the side of chicken.

Why are my carrots still hard after cooking? ›

Undercook them, and the texture is tough and dense. Overcook them, and they're dry and wrinkled. The secret is to soften the carrots slightly by boiling them briefly before roasting. The texture will be firm-tender with just the right amount of caramelization on the outside.

Can you overcook carrots? ›

You should keep a watchful eye on blanching vegetables like carrots as they boil, setting a timer and having an ice bath ready to shock them the moment the timer rings. If you don't transfer them to an ice bath right away, they'll continue to cook, resulting in overcooked, dull, and flavorless carrots.

Why do my carrots never soften? ›

It's not the vegetables or your cooking skills, it's the amount of acidic liquids in the cooking liquid! As you've no doubt observed in your everyday cooking, vegetables normally soften as they cook.

What is the appropriate cooking method for carrots? ›

Carrots can be cooked using several methods. Some common methods are steaming, boiling, braising, roasting, sautéing, stir frying, and microwaving. Carrots should be cooked only until they are tender-crisp to ensure maximum flavor. Overcooking may also destroy some of the nutrients contained in carrots.

What is the carrot trick frying? ›

It works best if you add the carrots along with the food you're frying. Otherwise, the carrots might shrivel up and burn before whatever you're frying is finished. You might have to switch out the carrots in between batches of food—again, to avoid burning the carrots and thus defeating the purpose of the tip.

Would boiling or steaming be better to cook finely diced carrots? ›

Steaming carrots is also a low-fat cooking method, as no additional oil is required to transform the carrot into a softened bite. Like boiled carrots, steamed carrots are just a little boring. They have a livelier color and more of a tender-crisp bite, but they need to be spruced up to make them enjoyable.

Why are steamed carrots so good? ›

Although raw carrot slices go well with a dip, cooked carrots are softer and easier to chew. But that's not the only benefit of heating the vegetable. Carrots provide more antioxidants when boiled or steamed than when eaten raw, according to a January 2008 report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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