In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding time to create a nutritious and appetizing side dish can be a challenge. That’s where this delightful Carrot Coins recipe comes to the rescue! This recipe has been a favorite of mine for years because it’s not just quick and easy to make, but also incredibly tasty and satisfying. The origin of this recipe traces back to the era when microwaves first became a household staple. It was an innovative way to make the most out of this technology, allowing for a quick and convenient cooking method without sacrificing flavor. The cultural significance of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, making it a versatile choice for any dinner table. What makes this recipe truly remarkable is the combination of ingredients that add a burst of flavor to the humble carrot. The addition of parsley, ginger, tarragon, garlic salt, and pepper transforms this ordinary vegetable into a delightful treat. Plus, the fact that it’s cooked in the microwave makes this recipe a lifesaver for those busy weeknights. So, let’s dive into the recipe and start cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut in 1/4-inch rounds (2 1/4 c.)
- 3 Tbsp. water
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 Tbsp. dried
- 1 Tbsp. butter or oleo
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon, crumbled
- 1/8 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper (preferably white)
Microwave Cooking
- Mix all ingredients in a 1-quart casserole.
- Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High 6 to 8 minutes, stirring twice,
- until carrots are almost tender.
- Let stand 3 minutes or until
- tender.
- Makes
- 4 servings; 73 calories per serving.
Calorie: 73
Total cooking time: 10 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Carrot Coins Escapade
Ah, the humble carrot. Orange, crunchy, and inexplicably the favorite food of every cartoon rabbit. It’s not every day that you wake up and decide, “Today, I’m going to transform a pound of medium-sized carrots into a gourmet dish!” And yet, here we are.
Preparation: AKA, the ‘Peel and Chop’ Symphony
Peeling and chopping carrots can be a cathartic experience. It’s just you, the carrots, a peeler, and a knife – a blissful island of tranquility in a sea of chaos. You might find yourself questioning the meaning of life, or why carrots aren’t called “orange roots.” But hey, that’s part of the fun. The aim here is to get our lovely carrots into 1/4-inch rounds. Picture a coin – that’s the look we’re going for.
Mixing: The Spice Symphony Begins
Now comes the fun part. In a 1-quart casserole, you’re going to mix your carrot coins, 3 tablespoons of water, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon of the dried stuff if you’re not feeling overly fancy today), 1 tablespoon of butter or oleo, a quarter teaspoon each of ground ginger and dried tarragon (crumbled, mind you), and an eighth teaspoon each of garlic salt and pepper.
I’m telling you, as soon as that pepper hits the bowl, your kitchen is going to smell like a five-star restaurant. You might even momentarily forget you’re wearing bunny slippers and an apron that says “Kiss the Cook.”
Microwave Magic: Where the Real Fun Happens
Cover your casserole with a lid or vented plastic wrap – no, a plate won’t do, no matter how much you try to convince yourself. Now, microwave it on High for 6 to 8 minutes. I know, it sounds like forever. You could probably solve a Rubik’s cube in that time. But trust me, it’s worth it.
The trick here is to stir it twice. When? Ah, the eternal question. Let’s say once at the halfway mark, and once more when there’s just a couple of minutes left. No need for precision – we’re not launching a spacecraft here.
The Waiting Game: Patience, Young Grasshopper
Once your carrot coins are almost tender (emphasis on ‘almost’), let them stand for 3 minutes. This is when the magic really happens. It’s like that dramatic pause in a reality show before the host announces the winner.
This pause also gives you a chance to clean up the mess you’ve inevitably made during the cooking process. Or, you know, you can just stare at the microwave, willing the carrots to cook faster.
The Grand Finale: Voila, Carrot Coins!
And there you have it! Four servings of gourmet carrot coins, each boasting a mere 73 calories. Not only have you successfully made a delicious and healthy dish, but you’ve also survived the ups and downs of the cooking process. You’ve laughed, you’ve cried (hopefully not too much), and you’ve proven that you can indeed cook something other than instant ramen. So go ahead, take a bow. You’ve earned it.
Remember, cooking isn’t just about the end result. It’s about the journey, the experiences, and the memories you create along the way. And in this case, it’s also about the carrot coins. Enjoy!
