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sweet glazed carrots recipe

Sweet Glazed Carrots With Apple Juice

These tender glazed carrots feature a silky, naturally sweet sauce made from apple juice concentrate and orange zest. Enhanced with warm cloves and thickened to perfection, this elegant yet simple side dish transforms ordinary carrots into something truly special that even picky eaters will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup apple juice concentrate thawed
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 8 large carrots sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (or 1-pound bag of baby carrots)

Equipment

  • Steamer
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Steam the carrots for about 15 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.
  2. While the carrots are steaming, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the apple juice concentrate, orange zest, cornstarch, and ground cloves.
  3. Whisk the glaze ingredients together until smooth, making sure to break up any cornstarch clumps.
  4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes clear and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Once the carrots are steamed and the glaze is ready, gently fold the carrots into the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  6. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.

Notes

For best results, choose firm, bright orange carrots without cracks or soft spots. If you're short on time, baby carrots work perfectly and eliminate the need for peeling and slicing.
These glazed carrots can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For variation, try substituting the apple juice concentrate with maple syrup or honey, and experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg instead of cloves for a different warm spice profile.