Sweet Meets Savory: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Candied Carrots, Oregon Style

Oregon, with its sweeping valleys and lush landscapes, is known for its bounty of farm-fresh vegetables. Among them, the humble carrot stands out for its versatility and sweetness. When combined with brown sugar and cinnamon, it transforms into a delightful side dish that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest's natural flavors. This dish, Brown Sugar Cinnamon Candied Carrots, is a perfect representation of Oregon’s love for local, wholesome ingredients and a touch of sweetness.

Photo bythissillygirlskitchen.com

Whether you're dining on a cool evening in Portland or enjoying a farm-to-table meal in the Willamette Valley, candied carrots make for a comforting, yet elegant, addition to any meal. Oregon is known for its emphasis on fresh, organic produce, and carrots from local farms offer the ideal sweetness to balance the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon. The combination of brown sugar caramelization with the natural earthy flavor of Oregon-grown carrots is something truly special.

Recipe: Oregon Style Brown Sugar Cinnamon Candied Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling the sliced carrots in a large pot of salted water until they become tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the drained carrots to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the buttery sugar mixture.
4. Continue cooking the carrots over medium heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the brown sugar and butter to thicken and caramelize.
5. Remove from heat and transfer the candied carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Candied Carrots bring a taste of Oregon’s earthy richness to your table. Whether paired with a roasted chicken or a simple grilled steak, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

A Delicious Taste of Oregon

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Oregon’s focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients truly shines here, with farm-fresh carrots and a warm brown sugar glaze that adds comfort to any meal. The addition of cinnamon gives a cozy, homey feel to the recipe, making it a perfect side for fall or winter gatherings. Whether you’re serving this at a family holiday or just making it on a casual weeknight, Brown Sugar Cinnamon Candied Carrots showcase the best of Oregon’s produce with a flavor that’s irresistible.

Sources:

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Candied Carrots (thissillygirlskitchen.com)

Candied Carrots Recipe - honey and brown sugar glaze (theblackpeppercorn.com)