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perfectly pan seared long carrot slices glistening with olive oil on a white platter

Perfect Pan-Seared Carrots


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  • Author: Kelly
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 to 3 servings depending on the hunger level 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Pan-searing is one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to bring out the natural sugar in carrots. In just 10 minutes you can have a side of perfectly blistered, super sweet cooked carrots without ever turning on your oven. We love pan-seared veggies around here and using this quick-cooking method helps us get our fill of them any time of year. Did you know that cooked carrots actually provide more nutrients than raw carrots? Plus, pan-searing produces a ton of extra flavor. Healthy, delicious, naturally sweet carrots are a perfect side for everyday meals and even the Holidays.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium carrots washed and sliced in half lengthwise
  • olive oil
  • fresh rosemary(optional but recommended)
  • salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Slice the carrots. Wash and slice the carrots lengthwise in half.
  2. Cook the carrots. Heat a cast-iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed skillet to high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.  When the skillet is very hot, but not smoking, add the carrot halves flat side down in a single layer being sure not to overlap the slices. Drizzle the tops with a little more olive oil, add a sprig of rosemary, and season with a little salt and pepper. Do not move the halves once they hit the skillet until they have turned golden brown on the bottoms (after approximately 5 minutes of cooking).
  3. Flip the carrots and finish them. Flip the carrots over, season with a little more salt and black pepper, reduce the heat to medium-high, and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, or until they turn golden brown with slightly crispy edges. Check the underside of the carrots periodically lifting one end slightly with a pair of tongs to check for color. When they’re ready, the slices should be tender but still have a slight firmness to them and be easily edible with a knife and fork. Remove them to a platter and serve immediately, or at room temperature and Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you want even softer carrots cook as indicated above, and after they’ve been seared on both sides (for approximately 5 minutes on each side) place a lid on top of the skillet to steam them a bit.
  • If you want to add a little spice, go for it! These carrots taste great with a little added smoked paprika and/or a little cayenne pepper for a kick.
  • I don’t measure the olive oil for this recipe instead I drizzle lightly and add more if the pan or the carrots start looking dry. You shouldn’t need more than 2 tsp to 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the carrots on the bottoms before they have a chance to become golden brown and tender. Every range is different and some people have electric, induction, or gas so adjust accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dishes
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 carrots
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