Company Carrots – An Easy Holiday Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make Christmas dinner carrots? ›

In a pan combine 400ml/14fl oz of water, the butter, sugar, salt and star anise. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add the carrots. Cook until the carrots are tender (approximately 45 minutes) and the volume of liquid has reduced by half.

Julienne means to slice into thin strips about the size of matchsticks. Shred means to cut or tear something into small pieces.

Other ingredients that are said to pair well with carrots include cinnamon, coriander, dill, lime, spearmint, olive oil, parsnips, salt, tarragon, thyme, etc. The Flavor Bible also provides specific flavor affinities or suggested pairings for many ingredients, such as: carrots + cilantro + lime. carrots + cumin + ...

Whether it's parsnips, sprouts, braised cabbage or carrots, 80g of each per person will do the trick.

Overcook them, and they're dry and wrinkled. The secret is to soften the carrots slightly by boiling them briefly before roasting.

Slightly thicker than shredded carrots, our matchstick carrots will bring sweet, fresh flavor and added crunch to any salad, sandwich or wrap. They're also perfectly prepped for stir fries and soups.

A Julienne peeler is basically a perfect shredding adaptation of a regular vegetable peeler. This tool can allow you to achieve excellent shreds with barely any work. Simply use it the way you'd use a vegetable peeler, and you'll have the perfect crunchy carrot shreds for any salad.

Peel potatoes, carrots, parsnips and any other veg you're having and leave them in pans of cold water overnight. This will save you a lot of faff and additional mess on Christmas morning.

When to Skip Peeling Carrots. “Juicing and roasting carrots are good times to avoid peeling,” says Hilowitz. “If you are making a rustic dish, then leaving the peel on could potentially enhance the look and experience of the dish.

What not to mix carrots with? ›

Also, fruits have more sugar content, something that can hinder the digestive process of vegetables. For the same reason, one shouldn't mix orange with carrot as when taken together, they may cause heartburn and excess bile reflux.

Flavor Enhancements

Use spearmint, marjoram, a small bay leaf, thyme, grated ginger root, chopped chives, dill or parsley.

Carrots that have spoiled or gone bad will usually have an odor, a slimy texture, or dark discoloration. They may also be wilted or soft. If you see mold growing on carrots, throw them out. The white blush that forms on carrots signals that your carrots are drying out.

Prep your veg the night before

Peel potatoes, carrots, parsnips and any other veg you're having and leave them in pans of cold water overnight. This will save you a lot of faff and additional mess on Christmas morning.

Discover the perfect amounts of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sprouts, peas and red cabbage to serve with your roast turkey. Need help planning your Christmas dinner? Use our super-simple portion planner for all your trimmings and check out our infographic guide to how much turkey to serve per person.

Cooking instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan, then add the carrots and parsnips and toss to coat in the oil. Add the thyme, cinnamon, star anise and some seasoning. Cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning the vegetables frequently, until golden brown and almost cooked through.

Cut your carrots up to a day ahead of time for super easy prep. Simply store them in water in an airtight container to maintain their bright color and crisp texture. To cook, pat them dry with a kitchen towel, then toss with oil, salt and pepper, and roast.