Chef John's Bourbon Glazed Carrots

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 pounds carrots, peeled, cut into equal-sized pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
• 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Ready Time: 25 mins


• melt butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
• when butter foams up, add carrots. season with salt and cook, stirring, until liquid from carrots evaporates and carrots begin to brown around the edges, 5 or 6 minutes.
• reduce heat to medium-low. carefully pour in bourbon. cook and stir until bourbon is almost evaporated, about 2 minutes.
• sprinkle in brown sugar. stir until carrots are almost cooked through, about 5 minutes.
• when carrots are nearly tender, raise heat to medium-high to thicken the glaze, 15 to 30 seconds.
• season with cayenne pepper and ground black pepper. transfer to serving dish and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.