Learning How To Boil Carrots Perfectly might just have those picky eaters coming back for seconds!
Friends with picky eaters often turn to me for advice on how to get their little ones to eat more vegetables. Not because I’m an expert on children’s nutrition, but because they’re hoping I can come up with clever ways to “hide” spinach or make things like Brussels sprouts go from “yucky” to “yummy.” Of course, I can tell them about making veggies go undetected in muffins and meatballs, but I’d much rather give them tips on how to make vegetables more appealing without having to resort to sneaky tactics. After all, the mission is not only to get kids to broaden their palate but also to teach them about food. Years ago, I taught high school English, and I remember my dismay when some of the kids had no idea what an eggplant was or how to tell the difference between a cucumber and a zucchini. For many, lunch consisted of a bag of chips and one of those awful energy drinks. Needless to say, I worried about their health.
Food education starts at home by introducing fruits and vegetables slowly and getting kids involved in the preparation process. My advice is always to take kids shopping or to the market every once in a while and teach them about food in a fun and playful way. When my daughter was small, for example, I would take her to the market because I knew the vendors would always have a chat with her and spoil her with little treats like a mandarin orange or a baby cucumber.
It’s also important to start out with vegetables that are slightly more palatable. Take carrots, for example. Their natural sweetness makes them a favorite among children, as long as you prepare them well.
This easy recipe will show you how to boil carrots so that they retain their earthy sweetness and come out perfectly tender. Dressed with a little melted butter, honey, and a dash of pepper while still warm, they’re truly delicious. And not just for children, of course! They make a great side dish to a roast dinner but are also a lovely addition to healthy grain bowls or even served on a bed of hummus and drizzled with good olive oil.
How to add even more flavor
When cooking for children, it’s important to try to keep things simple at first. Once this recipe gets the stamp of approval, you might want to move on to a little experimentation. Personally, we love these carrots with maple syrup instead of honey and tossed with a handful of chopped pecans and flat-leaf parsley. Dill is another fabulous herb with carrots, especially if you add a citrusy touch in the form of a piece of lemon or orange rind added to the boiling water. For a savory Asian twist, toss the cooked carrots in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil and finish with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, transfer the carrots to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, flash-freeze them on a baking tray for 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Bear in mind that the texture of the carrots will be slightly softer once defrosted. The carrots can be eaten warm or cold.
Serving suggestions
This easy veggie side dish will go well with everything from a slice of vegetarian meatloaf with a serving of our Healthy Mashed Potatoes to a Roast Chicken dinner. You can also add them to a wholesome bowl, such as this tasty Teriyaki Salmon Bowl.
How To Boil Carrots Perfectly
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 pound carrots peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch coins or diagonal slices
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh chives chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water with the salt to a boil. Carefully transfer the carrots into the water and boil for 4-5 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain the carrots and let them steam for 2 minutes. Transfer the carrots to a bowl and gently toss them with the butter, honey, and pepper until evenly coated. Sprinkle with the fresh chives and serve.
ngl that was great
So glad to hear!