Best Braised Carrots With Crisp Sage Recipes

BRAISED CARROTS WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

Steps:

• Peel the carrots, wash them in cold water, and slice them into 3/8 inch disks. The thin tapered ends can be cut thicker. Choose a saute pan that can contain the carrot rounds spread in a single snug layer, without overlapping. Put in the carrots and butter, and enough water to come ¼ inch up the sides. If you do not have a single pan large enough, use two smaller ones, dividing the carrots and butter equally between them. Turn on the heat to medium. Do not cover the pan.
• Cook until the water has evaporated, then add salt and the ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Continue cooking, adding from 2 to 3 tablespoons water as needed. Your objective is to end up with well-browned, wrinkled carrot disks, concentrated in flavor and texture. It will take between 1 and 1½ hours, during which time you much watch them, even while you do other things in the kitchen. Stop adding water when they begin to reach the wrinkled, browned stage, because there must be no liquid left at the end. In 30 minutes or a little more, the carrots will become so reduced in bulk that, if you have been using two pans, you will be able to combine them in a single pan.
• When done - they should be very tender - add the grated Parmesan, turn the carrots over completely once or twice, transfer them to a warm platter, and serve at once.

BRAISED CARROTS

Steps:

• Cut carrots into 1/8 in rounds or 1/4 in dice.
• In a wide, low pot melt butter over medium heat, add carrots and cook about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until carrots have a "glazed" look.
• Add, sugar and cook another minute.
• Add salt and 1/4 cup hot water, cover, reduce heat to medium low and let cook until carrots are done, checking and stirring occasionally. Add a little more water if necessary to prevent sticking. Dish should be almost dry when done.
• I usually cook for 10 minutes but cooking time can vary considerably due to age and sort of carrots as well as your your personal preference.
• When done serve sprinkled with a little parsley or chervil (which is nice with fish).

QUICK-BRAISED CARROTS WITH BUTTER

Steps:

• Place all ingredients except the fresh parsley or mint in a medium saucepan over high heat, bring to a boil, and cover.
• Turn heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes.
• Uncover saucepan and raise the heat a little.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and carrots are cooking in butter or oil.
• Lower the heat and keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender (not mushy), a couple of minutes longer.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
• Garnish with the fresh parsley or mint and enjoy!

CARROTS WITH SHALLOTS, SAGE, AND THYME

Steps:

• Cut carrots into 3-by 1/2-inch sticks.
• Bring stock to a boil with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet. Add carrots and simmer, covered, until just tender, about 15 minutes.
• Remove lid and boil until most of liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Transfer carrots to a bowl and wipe out skillet.
• Cook shallots in butter with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden- brown, about 6 minutes.
• Add sage, thyme, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and return carrots to skillet, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
• What to drink:
• Josmeyer Les Folastries Gewürztraminer '05

CARROT SOUP WITH CRISPY SAGE

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large wide pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, sage sprigs, shallots, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots soften, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the carrots and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter begins to brown and the carrots are tender but not fully cooked, about 12 minutes. Add the cider and 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the carrots are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the sage sprigs and cool the soup slightly.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the sage leaves and cook until bright green and crisp, 20 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, sprinkle with salt and set aside.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender in the pot or, working in batches, puree in a blender until smooth, taking care not to fill the carafe more than half full per batch. Reheat the soup over medium heat. Stir in the vinegar and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a small spoonful of creme fraiche and a crispy sage leaf.