Instant Pot Carrots to Elevate Your Side Dish Routine

As I explore Instant Pot cooking, I discover more ways to streamline my kitchen routines while still creating dishes bursting with flavor. Pressure cooking saves time and is quite easy once you acclimate to your appliance. I’m so glad my mother-in-law gifted me a pressure cooker.

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that will elevate your side dish game and impress even the most discerning palates: Instant Pot Carrots glazed with a luscious mixture of melted butter, maple syrup, and fresh herbs. This dish is easy to make and a delightful addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

If you’re new to Instant Pot cooking, check out this article by the New York Times: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Instant Pot.

Why Instant Pot Carrots?

Carrots are a staple vegetable in many households, and for good reason. They are versatile and nutritious, and their subtle sweetness combines with various flavors. When cooked in the Instant Pot, carrots retain their vibrant color and tender texture, making them the perfect canvas for this flavorful glaze.

How Long to Cook Carrots in the Instant Pot

When cooking carrots in an Instant Pot, timing is key to achieving your preferred texture. Typically, peeled and sliced carrots require around 3 to 4 minutes of high-pressure cooking. You’ll also need to add a cup of water or broth to the Instant Pot before cooking to create the necessary steam for pressure cooking. Once the cooking time is up, quickly release pressure and check the carrots for your desired tenderness. If they’re not soft enough, you can restart the Instant Pot for another minute or two. With the Instant Pot’s efficiency, you’ll have perfectly cooked carrots in no time!

What Kind of Carrots to Use

When selecting carrots for your recipe, choosing the right variety and quality is important to ensure the best flavor and texture. Look for carrots that are firm, smooth, and vibrant in color and show no signs of wilting or browning. If you’re purchasing carrots with the greens still attached, make sure they look fresh and vibrant, as this can indicate their freshness.

By carefully selecting the right carrots for this recipe, you’ll elevate the dish’s flavor and presentation to new heights.

I prefer cooking with organic multi-colored carrot bunches. The colors always pop, and they are a healthy option!

Mise En Place

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s prep our ingredients. You’ll need:

• 1 bunch of fresh carrots, peeled and trimmed
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme), finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

NOW THAT WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED, LET’S GET STARTED!

RECIPE STEPS

Step 1: Prep Your Carrots

Start by peeling and trimming your carrots. I prefer to cut whole carrots into long diagonal pieces, about 1/2 inch thick for this recipe. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Step 2: Steam in the Instant Pot

Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Arrange your prepared carrots in the pot, and don’t worry if they fall through the trivet. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” mode for 3 minutes on high pressure.

Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Then, carefully remove the carrots from the Instant Pot and drain off any excess water. They should be fork-tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

While the carrots are steaming, prepare the glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or the microwave. Once melted, add the maple syrup and fresh herbs, stirring gently to combine.

Step 4: Glaze the Carrots

Transfer the steamed carrots to a serving dish and drizzle the warm glaze over the carrots. Season the carrots to taste with salt and pepper. Use a spoon to gently toss the carrots until they are evenly coated in the delicious butter mixture. The warm carrots will absorb the flavors of the butter, maple syrup, and herbs, creating a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Instant Pot Steamed Carrots are best served immediately while still warm, and the glaze is gooey. Garnish with additional chopped herbs for a pop of freshness and color, if desired. These carrots make a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even baked pork chops – to name a few of my favorites.

Instant Pot Carrots Recipe Tips:

• Don’t overcook the carrots in the Instant Pot, as they will continue to cook slightly after the pressure cooker’s timer ends.
• Like your cooked carrots less tender? Cook for one less minute.
  • Set your Instant Pot to 2 minutes instead. You’ll still keep in on the ‘high pressure’ mode.
• Feel free to customize the glaze to suit your taste preferences:
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for a hint of warmth.
  • Or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

All in All

Instant Pot Steamed Carrots with Butter Maple Glaze will surely become a staple on your dinner table. They’re quick and easy to make and pack a flavor punch that will leave your guests asking for seconds. So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet elegant side dish, try this recipe and prepare to be amazed! Happy cooking!

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