Perfect Boiled Carrots

Boiled carrots can actually taste amazing! Here’s how long to cook carrots and how to season them to perfection.

Boiled vegetables don’t have a reputation for being the tastiest side dishes. But guess what: here’s how to do it Perfectly cooked carrots! They have a delicate, salty-sweet flavor and if you cook them long enough, they don’t get mushy at all. These buttered carrots are seasoned to perfection simply with butter and chives. Here we show you how long to cook carrots and how to add just the right spice to make a healthy and easy side dish!

How long to cook carrots?

How long to cook carrots? The exact timing depends on the thickness of the carrots. Carrots, sliced ​​1 to 4 inches thick, will take 4 to 5 minutes to crisp and tender. You can also cook them a little longer if you prefer even more tender carrots. Just be careful not to overcook them! Boil them for 10 minutes and the carrots will turn into mush.

Here’s what you need to do to prepare these boiled carrots:

• Slice the carrots diagonally. We love this because it makes beautiful oval shapes.
• Place in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then drain. Taste often as the exact timing will depend on the thickness of your carrots.
• Season! Below is the best way to season boiled carrots.

More cooked vegetables? Try boiled Brussels sprouts, boiled red potatoes, or boiled cabbage.

Ingredients you need for boiled carrots

You only need a handful of ingredients to make perfect cooked carrots! Here’s what you need to season them to perfection:

• carrots: The best carrots are big ones: you can use the ones you find in big bags at the store. Long, thin bunches of carrots also work here: they can cook faster because they’re even thinner. Rainbow carrots are nice too. Which carrots should be avoided? The baby carrots are not our favorite: their taste is too sweet.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Either it works! Use olive oil for vegans or dairy-free. But of course, the butter adds a richer, heartier flavor to the veggies.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The right amount of salt and black pepper makes a world of difference.
• Chives or other herbs: Chives are a natural pairing with the sweet flavor of carrots. You can use many other fresh herbs: see below for a list!
• Maple Syrup (optional): Like a little sweetness in your carrots? Add a dash of maple syrup to bring out the natural sweetness.

Other ways to flavor cooked carrots!

Chives and butter are just one idea for flavoring cooked carrots! There are many other spice mixes you can use. Here are some fun options:

• Greek spice: This homemade Greek condiment features oregano, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder: all flavors that pair well with carrots.
• Cumin and Lime: Cumin belongs to the same plant family as carrots! Add a touch of ground cumin and a few drops of lime juice.
• Ranch Spice: Carrots and ranch are a natural pair, so why not enjoy with cooked carrots? Add in some homemade ranch spice shakes or the simplified spiciness of these carrot fries.
• Various fresh herbs: Use a different fresh herb blend: read on for our favorites!

Fresh herbs accompanying carrots

Fresh herbs are our top tip for makeup any Recipe: including boiled carrots! When it’s summer, you can easily access your own herbs if you grow them (see How to Grow Fresh Herbs). Or buy some at the store: Most fresh herbs are available at the grocery store year-round. Here are some ideas for other herbs to pair with carrots, aside from fresh chives:

• Thyme: Thyme pairs well with carrots (that’s a thing!), so it’s our top pick for herbs.
• Basil: The basil works and adds a cool, peppery undertone.
• Oregano: Oregano is similar to thyme and also pairs well with carrots.
• Dill: Dill has a more distinctive flavor but is often paired with carrots (since they belong to the same plant family).

Are Carrots Healthy?

Drum roll… yes! Packed with nutrients, bright orange carrots are one of the best vegetables you can eat! Here are some of the top nutritional benefits of this root vegetable (source):

• Low in calories, high in fiber: A cup of chopped carrots has only 52 calories and 3.6 grams of fiber. (The source)
• Packed with vitamin A (beta-carotene): This root vegetable provides 428% of your daily vitamin A intake in 1 cup! It is present as beta-carotene, an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A.
• Rich in vitamin C, K and potassium: They are also rich in these vitamins.
• Possible Benefits These include lowering blood cholesterol levels, weight loss and eye health. Learn more here.

More carrot recipes

Full Disclosure: Boiled carrots aren’t our favorite way to eat carrots, but boiling them is a healthy option that gives you more control over the amount of calories you add to the spice. Here are some of our other favorite ways to eat carrots:

This Boiled Carrots recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.