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Spiced Butter-Glazed Carrots

Elevate the humble root vegetable with this fragrant recipe for spiced butter-glazed carrots. This dish moves away from traditional sugary glazes, instead using a sophisticated blend of fresh ginger, garlic, and smashed cardamom pods to create a deeply aromatic profile. The carrots are gently simmered in a savoury chicken broth before being reduced to a glossy, buttery finish that highlights their natural sweetness without the need for added honey or syrups.

As a diabetes-friendly side dish, these carrots offer a healthy yet indulgent accompaniment to a Sunday roast or grilled white fish. The warmth of the spices makes them particularly comforting during the cooler months, providing a vibrant pop of colour and flavour to any dinner table. Simple to prepare and easy to scale up, they are a versatile addition to your midweek meal rotation.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Spiced Butter-Glazed Carrots

  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

  • 170g finely chopped onion

  • 1 (1/2-inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled, cut into thin slices, then each slice cut into strips

  • 4 whole green cardamom pods, smashed

  • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

  • 675g medium-size carrots (about 14), peeled, cut on deep diagonal into 1/3-inch-thick ovals

  • 240ml (or more) low-salt chicken broth

  • Ground white pepper

How to make Spiced Butter-Glazed Carrots

Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, cardamom pods with seeds, and garlic; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until onion is soft, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes. Add carrots; stir to coat. Add 240ml chicken broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until just tender, about 8 minutes. Uncover, increase heat to high, and boil until butter glazes carrots, tossing occasionally, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper. Do ahead Can be made 2 hours ahead. Rewarm over medium heat, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls as needed.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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