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Our Easy Honey Butter-Glazed Carrot Recipe
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Here’s the thing about carrots: they’re the quiet achievers of the produce aisle. Always around, always reliable, but rarely the showstopper. Until now. This easy honey butter-glazed carrot recipe takes those humble roots and turns them into something that absolutely slaps! Paired with a few CA GROWN favorites: citrus, pistachios, and dates, this side dish is sure to be a superstar at your table.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between everyday simplicity and dinner-party-worthy polish. It’s buttery, bright, and just a little unexpected. And the best part? Every bite celebrates the incredible ingredients grown right here in the Golden State.
Let’s Talk About This Carrot Recipe🥕
Carrots thrive in California’s mild temperatures and rich soil, creating the perfect growing conditions. Whether you pick them up at your local farmers’ market or spot them stacked high in grocery bins, odds are good they were grown in the Golden State.
In this recipe, those crisp, colorful carrots get simmered in a bath of fresh-squeezed Cara Cara orange juice, butter (or olive oil), and a touch of ginger, then glazed with honey at the finish. As they cook, they soften just enough to soak up the citrusy sweetness and transform into something irresistible—tender, glossy, and full of flavor.
California Citrus: Sunshine in Every Squeeze 🍊
The bright, fresh flavor of citrus is what makes this dish truly stand out. California produces 80% of all the fresh citrus marketed in the United States, and it’s no exaggeration to say the industry is a cornerstone of the Golden State’s agricultural success.
And let’s not forget about those little bursts of lemon juice at the end of this recipe—the Golden State grows over 92% of all lemons in the United States.
You can ask anyone, the flavor of California citrus is unmatched: fresh, fragrant, and naturally uplifting.
The Golden Sweetness of California Dates 🌴
There’s a reason date shakes are legendary in the California desert—they’re proof that this humble fruit is pure magic.
California Dates ripen from August through December, depending on the variety and climate. Harvest season spans nearly four months, giving us an incredible range of flavor and texture across 14 different varieties, including Medjool, Deglet Noor, and Khadrawy.
In this carrot recipe, thinly sliced dates are scattered across the warm carrots right before serving, giving every bite that subtle caramel note that will keep you coming back for more helpings.
Pistachios: The Powerhouse from California’s Heartland 🌿
Crunchy, creamy, and just a little indulgent—pistachios are another perfect way to garnish this dish. They’re grown in California, too, where more than 98% of all U.S. pistachios are cultivated.
Experts believe pistachio trees were first planted in California in the 1880s. Today, they’ve become one of the state’s most important crops. Not only are they delicious, but they also add texture and contrast to this recipe. They balance the sweetness of the carrots and honey with a subtle nuttiness, which gives every bite the perfect contrast of crunchy and tender.
Why This Carrot Recipe Works So Well
You don’t need fancy techniques or complicated ingredients to make something memorable. This carrot recipe works because it celebrates balance with ease:
🥕 Carrots provide natural sweetness and color.
🍯 Honey and butter (or olive oil) create a silky glaze.
🍊 California citrus adds a burst of acidity and brightness.
🌴 Dates lend richness and a touch of caramel flavor.
🌿 Pistachios bring crunch, protein, and contrast.
🌿 Fresh basil ties everything together with a fragrant finish.
The result? A dish that’s comforting but sophisticated and perfect for both weeknight meals and holiday dinners.
The Heart of CA GROWN ❤️
Every time you cook with ingredients from the Golden State, you’re not just making a meal—you’re supporting the farmers, ranchers, and families who make California’s food scene what it is today. From the citrus groves of the San Joaquin Valley to the pistachio orchards of the Central Valley and the date palms of the Coachella Desert, this recipe connects you directly to the people who grow the best of what the Golden State has to offer.
And that’s what being CA GROWN is all about—celebrating the connection between the land, the farmers, and your table.
So the next time you want a side dish that’s simple, stunning, and straight from California’s heartland, give this Honey Butter-Glazed Carrot Recipe a try. It’s proof that when you start with the best ingredients, the simplest dishes can shine the brightest.
Ready To Get Your Groove On In The Kitchen? Check Out This Spotify Playlist From CA GROWN!
Craving more delicious holiday dishes for the celebratory season? Check out our Pinterest for more CA GROWN recipes.
Do you have a CA GROWN-inspired recipe we should try? Snap a pic and tag us with #CAGROWN—we’d love to see what you’re mixing up.
Honey Butter-Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots trimmed and peeled, sliced into ¼-inch coins.
- 2 TBSP butter or olive oil
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 TBSP minced ginger
- 2 Cara Cara oranges juiced
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 TBSP honey
- 2 TBSP chopped basil
- 3 dates pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 TBSP chopped toasted pistachios
Instructions
- Combine the carrots, butter, salt, pepper, ginger, and orange juice in a saucepan no more than 6 inches (15 cm) across. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to coat, then adjust the heat to a simmer. Cover.
- Cook, more or less undisturbed, until carrots are tender and liquid is almost gone, 10 to 20 minutes. Uncover and boil off remaining liquid, then add lemon juice and honey. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- When ready to serve, garnish with dates, basil, and pistachios. Serve with more honey on the side if desired.