Get ready to elevate the humble carrot to new heights with our Sweet & Spicy Carrots recipe. This dish is a delightful combination of tender carrots, aromatic cumin seeds, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of heat from hot sauce. The addition of fresh mint adds a burst of freshness to the dish, making it a perfect side that’s both vibrant and full of flavor.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
Before we begin, let’s gather the essential ingredients for our Sweet & Spicy Carrots:
- 2 1/2 pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of light olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped mint
- Reserved cooking liquid (about 5 tablespoons)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Now, let’s follow these simple steps to create our Sweet & Spicy Carrots:
- Steam the Carrots: Begin by placing the sliced carrots in a steamer basket. Steam them for approximately 5 minutes until they become tender and slightly softened. After steaming, make sure to drain the carrots thoroughly, but don’t discard all the cooking liquid. Reserve about 5 tablespoons of the cooking liquid, as it will be used later to enhance the dish.
- Toast the Cumin Seeds: In a dry skillet, toast the cumin seeds over medium heat until they become fragrant. This toasting process will intensify the flavor of the cumin and add a delightful aroma to our dish.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat the light olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the hot oil and sauté them for about 1 minute until they release their aromatic essence. Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Combine Carrots and Seasonings: Stir in the steamed carrots into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Add the sugar, cumin seeds, salt, lemon juice, hot sauce, and the reserved cooking liquid. These ingredients will form the foundation of our sweet and spicy flavor profile.
- Simmer and Cover: Cover the pan partially and allow the carrot mixture to simmer over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the carrots will absorb the vibrant flavors of the seasonings and develop their sweet and spicy character.
- Stir in Fresh Mint: Just before serving, stir in the finely chopped mint. The mint adds a refreshing and aromatic element to the dish, balancing the sweetness and spiciness of the carrots.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Sweet & Spicy Carrots are now ready to be enjoyed. Transfer them to a serving dish and serve immediately. The tender carrots infused with cumin, lemon, and a hint of heat from hot sauce, topped with fresh mint, make for a side dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Our Sweet & Spicy Carrots recipe is a delightful twist on a classic vegetable side dish. The combination of tender carrots with aromatic cumin, zesty lemon juice, and the subtle kick of hot sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that will impress your taste buds. This dish is perfect for adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any meal. With the addition of fresh mint, it’s both vibrant and refreshing. So, follow these instructions, savor the deliciousness, and enjoy your Sweet & Spicy Carrots!
