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How to Boil Carrots: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Carrots are a staple of any healthy diet.

Boiling them is a simple preparation for a healthy and great side dish.

Boiling carrots allows them to keep their natural sweetness; it is one of my favorite cooking methods.

perfect boiled carrots

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What We Need: Ingredients List

Carrots:  Choose firm, bright orange, and free from any blemishes or soft spots.

You can also use baby carrots, but the cooking time will change.

Olive oil: Seasoning them with oil is one of the healthiest methods, it gives nice taste to boiled carrots.

Below are lots of ideas on how best to season carrots.

Salt and black pepper: To taste.

Thyme: A herb that is perfect for seasoning carrots.

Also, try it with basil or rosemary.

 How To Cook Carrots

Begin by giving them a good wash, then remove the green tops and peel them if desired. 

Cut the raw carrots into rounds with a sharp knife. I cut them into half-inch thick rounds.

slice carrots

You can also boil whole carrots, but I prefer to cut them first for faster cooking. 

You can cook carrots in different ways: 

  • Boiled carrots recipe: To cook carrots, start by filling a large pot with enough water to cover the carrots fully. 

Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring water to the boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook for 5-7 minutes after adding the carrots. 

You can test their readiness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the carrot.

If it goes in smoothly, they’re done!

To stop the cooking, run them under cold water.

boiled carrots in a pot
  • Microwave Carrots: Put the carrots in a microwave-safe bowl with two tablespoons of water.

Cover with the lid and cook at maximum power for 3-4 minutes.

At this point, stir and cook again for another 3 minutes at maximum power.

  • Steam carrots: Place a high-sided pot filled halfway with water on the stove and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, wash, peel, and chop the carrots.

Place the steamer basket in the pot without touching the boiling water.

Arrange the carrots on the basket, cover with the lid, and cook for 10 minutes for a crispy result.

If you prefer softer carrots, cook a few minutes more.

Steam carrots

Tips For The Best Results

  • Keep a close eye on the carrots and check them with a fork for readiness.

You want carrots that are fork-tender and not overcooked. 

boiled carrots fork tender
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the size with which you cut the carrots – large pieces will take longer to cook. 
  • Use high-quality fresh carrots.
  • Cut to a similar size.
  • Drain the carrots immediately.

My advice is to run them under cold water to stop the cooking.

How To Season Boiled Carrots

Carrots are a versatile vegetable that pairs well with various seasonings and ingredients.

Here are some ideas to season the cooking carrots.

  • Olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Butter and honey give the carrots a nice and sweet flavor.

Drizzle melted butter and honey syrup over the carrots for a sweet and savory combination.

Use unsalted butter for this because we already put salt in the water.

  • Garlic and herbs.

Sauté minced garlic in olive oil and toss with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a lot of flavor.

Balsamic glaze.

  • Drizzle balsamic glaze over the carrots for a tangy and sweet taste.
  • Mix your favorite spices, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder, and sprinkle over the boiled carrots for a warm and spicy kick.

How To Serve Boiled Carrots

When it comes to serving boiled carrots, there are many options to choose from. 

They are a healthy side dish for main dish such as these chicken cutlets or these chicken bites, but their flavor also goes great with pork, I love to serve with this pork chops, slow cooker pork chops or this double smoked ham.

You can also serve the carrot with other vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts.

These carrots can be a great addition to this Italian potato salad or this steak salad.

It’s also perfect as a quick and healthy snack.

How To Store

Fridge: The best way to store boiled carrots is in an airtight container.

You can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but I assure you they are delicious, even cold.

They should last up to four days. 

Freezer:  You can freeze leftovers for up to 3-4 months. 

FAQ’s

Are carrots healthy?

Yes. Carrots are a root vegetables rich in nutrients and properties. They are an excellent source of beta carotene, which is used by the body to produce vitamin A, important for vision, the immune system, growth, and development;
They are also rich in potassium, an essential mineral important for blood pressure regulation and 
vitamin K1, which is important for the blood clotting process and bone health.

Are boiled carrots healthy?

Yes, they are also good for you when cooked. Unlike many vegetables, raw and cooked carrots offer the body multiple nutritional properties. If we want to absorb the best beta-carotene in carrots, we can consume them cooked and seasoned with a drizzle of oil. The body assimilates it better after a short cooking time.

How long does it take to boil carrots?

It typically takes 5-7 minutes to boil carrots, depending on the size of the pieces and the desired level of tenderness. Be sure to check them frequently to avoid overcooking.

Should I peel the carrots before boiling?

It’s up to you! If you prefer the texture and taste of peeled carrots, go for it. But if you don’t mind a little extra fiber in your boiled carrots, leave the skin on for added nutrition.

Can I add spices or seasonings to the boiling water?

Absolutely! Carrots are a great canvas for a variety of flavors. Consider adding herbs like rosemary or bay leaves to the water for added depth of flavor.

How to Boil Carrots: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

boiled carrots recipe pintarest

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Yield: 2

Perfect boiled carrots Recipe

boiled carrots

Looking for a healthy and easy side dish? Try this boiled carrots recipe! It's quick, simple, and delicious.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium carrots
  • Salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • Black pepper.

Instructions

  1. Wash the carrots with water, remove the ends, and peel them. Cut the carrots into rounds about 1/2 inch.
  2. In a pot, bring water to a boil; the water should be just enough to cover the entire volume of carrots.
  3. Salt the water with half a teaspoon of salt for every liter of water used, and add the sliced carrots and lower the heat.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the carrots are tender but still slightly firm. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy and lose nutritional value. 
  5. Once done, drain the water and  cool the carrots under cold water and 
  6. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish. Add a pinch of black pepper and thyme to taste and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 155Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 345mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g

Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram and tag thebellavita_blog

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Claire

Sunday 30th of April 2023

These were delish! I always boil carrots and then stick them on the table plain. But finishing them in olive oil and thyme really made them tasty! My kids were impressed and actually ate their veg without me asking!

Sarita

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

A simple yet yummy recipe. Nice touch with adding the thyme!

Traci

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Absolutely delicious! They came out perfect with the tips given! Loved it will make again thank you!

rupali

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

Thank you for the detailed steps! Very useful.

Chichi

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Super easy side dish. Love it!

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