Rich Julia Child Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet Julia Child Glazed Carrots Recipe with Butter Glaze

Julia Child’s glazed carrots turn humble orange roots into a culinary symphony of flavor and elegance.

French cooking wisdom transforms simple vegetables into something extraordinary.

Butter works its alchemical magic, creating a glistening coat that caramelizes each tender slice.

Skilled chefs know precise heat unlocks incredible depth in seemingly basic ingredients.

The secret lies in carefully melting sugar to craft a stunning amber glaze that hugs every carrot morsel.

Sophisticated yet wonderfully approachable, this recipe embodies the art of effortless gourmet cooking.

One bite promises to revolutionize your perception of vegetable side dishes forever.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 182 kcal

Servings: 4

Glazed Carrot Ingredients from Julia Child

For Vegetable Base:
  • Carrots: Choose firm, vibrant orange carrots without soft spots or cracks for the best texture and sweetness.
For Glaze Ingredients:
  • Butter, Brown Sugar: Select high-quality unsalted butter and rich, moist brown sugar for a deep, caramel-like flavor profile.
  • Salt, White Pepper: Use fine sea salt and freshly ground white pepper to enhance the glaze's subtle complexity.

Sauté Tools to Make Glazed Carrots Right

  • Vegetable Peeler: Sharp tool for removing carrot skin smoothly.
  • Large Saucepan: Spacious cooking pot perfect for boiling and glazing carrots.
  • Cutting Board: Stable surface for slicing vegetables safely.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Helps create uniform carrot sticks with precision.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring glaze and coating carrots evenly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.
  • Serving Dish: Attractive plate for presenting glazed carrots.

Cooking Glazed Carrots Julia’s Way

Cooking Glazed Carrots Julia’s Way
  • Prep Carrot Delights

Scrub those vibrant orange beauties clean and slice them into elegant, uniform sticks. Aim for slender, matchstick-like pieces that will cook evenly and look stunning on the plate.

  • Tender Cooking Magic

Submerge your carrot sticks in a pot of cold water, letting them swim freely. Bring the water to a roaring boil, then dial down the heat and let them simmer until they’re perfectly tender – soft enough to pierce with a fork but still holding their shape with pride.

  • Craft a Luscious Glaze

In the same pan, create a mesmerizing sauce that will transform ordinary carrots into a knockout side dish. Melt butter until it’s silky smooth, then sprinkle in brown sugar, a whisper of salt, and a hint of white pepper. Stir this magical mixture until it becomes a glossy, irresistible coating.

  • Final Flavor Fusion

Reunite the tender carrots with the decadent glaze, gently tossing them until every inch is coated in sweet, shimmering goodness. Let them dance in the pan for a few moments, warming through and absorbing all that delicious flavor. Serve immediately and watch your guests swoon.

Glazing Tips for Sweet and Tender Results

  • Boost Your Carrot Cooking Game: Expert Tips & Twists
  • Customize Carrot Thickness: Cut carrots thinner for quicker cooking or wider for a more rustic presentation. Thinner sticks absorb glaze faster, while chunkier pieces provide a satisfying crunch.
  • Spice Up the Glaze: Experiment with flavor additions like ground cinnamon, fresh ginger, or a dash of cayenne pepper. These subtle enhancements transform the basic glaze into a gourmet experience that'll surprise your taste buds.
  • Master Perfect Tenderness: Test carrot doneness by piercing with a fork – they should yield easily but still maintain a slight resistance. Overcooking leads to mushy texture, while undercooking results in tough, hard pieces.
  • Create Herb-Infused Magic: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or chives over the glazed carrots just before serving. These green garnishes add a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic dimension to the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Carrots

  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or dill on top for a burst of color and added freshness that complements the sweet glaze.
  • Pair with Protein Companions: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or tender beef to create a balanced and satisfying meal that highlights the carrots' rich flavor.
  • Create a Texture Contrast: Add toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top to introduce a delightful crunch that elevates the tender glazed carrots.
  • Serve in Elegant Presentation: Use a white ceramic dish or rustic wooden platter to showcase the glistening orange carrots, making the side dish visually appealing and appetizing.

Storage Advice for Cooked Carrots

  • Preserve Freshness: Store glazed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Chop and boil carrots in advance, keeping the glaze separate until ready to serve. This strategy saves time during busy weeknight dinners and keeps the carrots crisp and flavorful.
  • Freeze with Ease: Freeze glazed carrots in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to restore their original delicious taste and texture.
  • Revive Leftover Brilliance: Breathe new life into leftover glazed carrots by chopping and adding to salads, grain bowls, or quickly sautéing with other vegetables for a quick side dish that prevents food waste.
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Rich Julia Child Glazed Carrots Recipe

Rich Julia Child Glazed Carrots Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Julia Child glazed carrots blend French culinary techniques with simple vegetable preparation. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic side dish that adds elegance to any meal you serve.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds/907 grams carrots (peeled and cut into sticks)
  • ¼ cup/57 grams butter
  • ¼ cup/50 grams brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground white pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously wash, peel, and slice carrots into uniform 3-inch batons, ensuring consistent thickness for balanced cooking.
  2. Initial Cooking: Submerge carrot sticks in a large saucepan with cool water, bringing to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender, carefully monitoring to prevent overcooking.
  3. Draining: Strain carrots in a colander, transferring the vegetables to a clean bowl while preparing the glaze.
  4. Glaze Creation: In the same saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter completely. Whisk in brown sugar, kosher salt, and white pepper, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy coating.
  5. Finishing: Reintroduce cooked carrots to the buttery glaze, gently tossing to ensure each piece is luxuriously coated. Continue cooking for 1-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and achieve a perfect caramelized finish. Serve immediately while the glaze remains glossy and vibrant.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut carrots into uniform 3-inch sticks to guarantee even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
  • Water Wisdom: Use cool water that covers carrots by 1 inch to ensure perfect blanching and maintain nutrients.
  • Tenderness Test: Check carrot doneness with a sharp fork at 8-minute mark to prevent mushy texture and preserve crisp quality.
  • Glaze with Grace: Stir butter and seasonings continuously to create smooth, glossy coating without burning or separating ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 182
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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