Best 2 Slow Cooked Whole Carrots Cooks Illustrated Recipes

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Slow-Cooked Whole Carrots, a culinary masterpiece that elevates the humble carrot to new heights of flavor and texture. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms ordinary carrots into a delectable dish that will impress even the most discerning palate. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a side dish or snack that is both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.

Discover variations of this classic recipe, including:

* **Honey-Glazed Carrots:** A sweet and sticky twist that adds a touch of indulgence to the earthy flavor of carrots.

* **Roasted Carrots with Herbs:** A savory and aromatic combination that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots.

* **Carrots with Brown Butter and Thyme:** A sophisticated and elegant dish that elevates carrots to a gourmet level.

* **Carrot Fries:** A fun and healthy alternative to traditional potato fries, perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce.

* **Carrot Soup:** A creamy and comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly day or as a light and refreshing lunch.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SLOW-COOKED WHOLE CARROTS (COOK'S ILLUSTRATED)

Slow-Cooked Whole Carrots (Cook's Illustrated) image

This cooking method creates "persistent firmness", so that the carrots do not overcook at the thinner ends - so says CI.

Provided by duonyte

Categories Vegetable

Time 1h30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

parchment paper
3 cups water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 carrots, peeled (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 lbs, see note)

Steps:

Cut a 12 inch circle from the parchment paper. Cut a small circle in the center Choose carrots that measure 3/4 to 1 1/4 in across the thickest end.
Bring water, butter and salt to a simmer in a 12-inch skillet over high heat.
Remove from heat, add carrots in a single layer, and place parchment round on top of the carrots. Cover skillet with lid and let stand for 20 minutes.
Remove lid from skillet, leaving the parchment round in place, and bring to a simmer over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until almost all water has evaporated and carrots are very tender, about 45 minutes. Discard parchment round.
Increase heat to medium-high, and continue to cook caarrots, shaking pan frequently, until they are lightly glazed and no water remains in skillet, 2 to 4 minutes longer. Transfer to platter and serve.

SLOW-COOKED WHOLE CARROTS RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Slow-Cooked Whole Carrots Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by DreiFromBK

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
Use carrots that measure 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches across at the thickest end. The carrots can be served plain, but we recommend topping them with one of our relishes (see related content).
Ingredients
3 cups water
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 carrots (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), peeled

Steps:

1. Fold 12-inch square of parchment paper into quarters to create 6-inch square. Fold bottom right corner of square to top left corner to create triangle. Fold triangle again, right side over left, to create narrow triangle. Cut off 1/4 inch of tip of triangle to create small hole. Cut base of triangle straight across where it measures 5 inches from hole. Open paper round. 2. Bring water, butter, and salt to simmer in 12-inch skillet over high heat. Remove pan from heat, add carrots in single layer, and place parchment round on top of carrots. Cover skillet and let stand for 20 minutes. 3. Remove lid from skillet, leaving parchment round in place, and bring to simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until almost all water has evaporated and carrots are very tender, about 45 minutes. Discard parchment round, increase heat to medium-high, and continue to cook carrots, shaking pan frequently, until they are lightly glazed and no water remains in skillet, 2 to 4 minutes longer. Transfer carrots to platter and serve.

Tips:

Choose the Right Carrots: Select carrots that are uniformly sized and have a deep orange color. This ensures even cooking and a vibrant final dish.
Trim and Peel: Trim the tops of the carrots and peel them if desired. Peeling is not necessary, but it can help the carrots cook more evenly.
Slice or Leave Whole: If you prefer, you can slice the carrots into rounds or sticks. However, leaving them whole will result in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Use a Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker: A Dutch oven or slow cooker is ideal for cooking whole carrots. These cooking methods provide a gentle and even heat that allows the carrots to cook through without becoming mushy.
Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the carrots by adding aromatics such as garlic, shallots, or herbs to the cooking liquid. These ingredients will infuse their flavor into the carrots as they cook.
Season to Taste: Once the carrots are cooked, season them to taste with salt and pepper. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.

Conclusion:

Slow-cooked whole carrots are a simple yet delicious side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a variety of meals. With just a few basic ingredients and some time, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you prefer them glazed, roasted, or braised, there is a slow-cooked carrot recipe out there to suit your taste. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying side dish, give slow-cooked carrots a try. You won't be disappointed!