Monday 7 June 2010

Carrots From Brownievillegirl

When this recipe popped up on my reading list I got very excited. When I went over to Brownievillegirl's Blog I saw she too had been very excited. I'm not quite sure if it's a carrot thing or an Irish thing. Like her I have long looked for a nice way to cook carrots. I do love a carrot. Such a bright cheerful little vegetable. Just made to cheer up a plate. This comes from Heston Blumenthalls 'Family Food'. Apparently (and I quote BVG here) "Orange juice shouldn't be used when cooking carrots as the acid interferes with the cooking process.Orange zest gives the flavour while retaining the correct texture. " Whatever the reason these carrots mixed with garlic, coriander and cumin are just gorgeous. I could have eaten them all straight from the pot. Simple done you really need to try them. Thank you Brownievillegirl for the recipe.



Carrots Glazed with Cumin and Orange


750g peeled carrots (I think organic are worth the extra money)
1 clove garlic
2 tsp cumin
2 or 3 cardamom pods
8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 tsp caster sugar
zest from 1 orange, in large pieces (remove carefully with a potato peeler, with as little of the white pith as possible)
salt and black pepper


Slice the carrots into 1cm (1/2 inch) rounds - they look better sliced diagonally.
Heat your pot without any oil and when hot add the cumin and cardamom seeds (which you have removed from the pods), toast them for a minute or two until they release a beautiful smell.
Add the oil, butter, garlic (I grate it in, you could crush it), thyme and the carrots.
Turn the heat down to medium and sweat the carrots for 5 minutes.
Add the sugar and about 1 tbsp of water and the orange zest.
Cover with a lid and cook until tender - keep an eye on them and add a little more water if necessary.
When cooked remove the lid and reduce any liquid if necessary.
Season and serve.


10 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

A delicious way of preparing carrots! Lovely!

Cheers,

Rosa

Grannymar said...

I always have carrots, now let me see... cardamom... cumin...
I know what my veg will be tonight! Now what to do with these green beans for a change.......?

Brownieville Girl said...

Delighted you enjoyed them!

The quote about the orange juice is Heston's - I would never be clever enough to work that out!!!!

Lucie said...

ooooo they look oh so tasty Brenda. Hope you had a nice holiday. Lucie x

Cynthia said...

This is sounds excellent. The only way I can eat carrots is raw or as a fritter or stir fried in Chinese dishes.

La Bella Cooks said...

This recipe sure does sound and look delicious. Isn't her blog tasty?? You both are so talented.

Manu said...

Ciao! these carrots sound delicious! i've never cooked them with sone sugar and orange. I'll give a try.
LOL Manu from Nigella.com

Gloria Baker said...

I really love carrots Brenda and these sounds absolutely delicious! thanks by sharing, gloria

Rhyleysgranny said...

Rosa - Thank you

Grannymar - I'll see if BVG can work her magic with beans.

BVG - They were delicious. No other rway to do the humble carrot now. Thank you x

Lucie - Thank you. Yes we had a lovely week. Just chilled out enjoyed the sun and read four books!

Cynthis - hello! Isn't it amazing how that big stretch of pond makes a difference to our taste buds. The Irish are fairly plain eaters by nature hence the excitement over a carrot. LOL

Bridgett - Youu are too kind. BVG's blog is really good and she has a great turn of phrase.

Manu - Hello and welcome!Do try this you will be amazed at the flavour. x

Gloria - Thanks and bless you x

JillyB said...

I think these could be appearing with the roast lamb tomorrow Brenda! They look and sound fab.