Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons pure honey (wildflower or clover honey works beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley for garnish
If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap the unsalted butter with olive oil for a lighter version. Maple syrup can replace honey if you prefer a different kind of sweetness that still pairs beautifully with cinnamon. When I was exploring markets in Spain, I found that local honey varieties lend unique floral notes that elevate this dish even further.
Instructions
- Start by peeling the carrots and slicing them into even 1/2-inch thick rounds. This helps them cook uniformly. When I was little, Nonna Rosa would let me handle this step, gently guiding my hands—it’s a wonderful way to connect with the process.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s foamy and fragrant, add the carrot slices. Stir to coat them evenly with the melted butter.
- Cook the carrots for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them tender but still with a little bite, just like the ones my mother used to prepare for Sunday dinners.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Drizzle the honey over the carrots, then sprinkle the cinnamon and salt evenly. Stir gently to combine all the flavors. The honey will start to glaze the carrots, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the honey and cinnamon to meld into the carrots. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with that warm, sweet spice—an aroma that instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Monterey.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
- If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, a trick I picked up during my time in Italy, where even simple dishes are finished with a flourish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
