Middle Eastern

Za’atar-Spiced Sweet and Spicy Carrots

Name: Za’atar-Spiced Sweet and Spicy Carrots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 TBSP unsalted butter; 8 medium carrots, peeled and oblique-cut; see video; ¼ cup unsalted chicken stock; 3–4 TBSP hot honey, use desired amount for heat; to taste kosher salt and black pepper; 1 tsp za’atar spice

Carrots have a lovely sweetness of their own, but I enjoy giving them a little something unexpected. For this side dish, hot honey brings a sweet kick, butter makes the glaze rich, and za’atar adds a fragrant, savory finish that keeps every bite interesting. I cook the carrots until they’re tender with a little firmness, then let that glossy glaze cling to them. It takes the familiar American glazed-carrot side and gives it a Middle Eastern-inspired twist. They bring such cheerful color to a dinner plate, and I love how a small sprinkle of seasoning can give an everyday vegetable a whole new personality.

Recipe by Mary Keelan Williams | One Recipe Two Cultures ✓ TESTED & DEVELOPED BY MARY KEELAN WILLIAMS

🇺🇸 American+🌎 Middle Eastern

JUMP TO RECIPEPIN RECIPE

Mary’s Introduction

These quick stovetop carrots balance sweet heat with the earthy, citrusy character of za’atar. A small amount of stock steams the carrots until tender before the glaze concentrates around them.

Why These Flavors Work

Hot honey creates a sweet-spicy glaze while za’atar adds herbal, nutty and tangy notes. Butter rounds the spice and stock helps the carrots cook evenly.

SAVE FOR THE LEFTOVER IDEA

Save Reserve 2 cups cooked za’atar-spiced carrots (about half the batch — roughly 4 medium carrots). to make Za’atar Hot-Honey Carrot Rice Bowl with Fried Eggs (2 servings).

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LEFTOVER IDEAS

Turn the leftovers into something new.

Photo coming soon

Za’atar Hot-Honey Carrot Rice Bowl with Fried Eggs (2 servings)

More from Mary’s Kitchen

COOKING MODEZa’atar-Spiced Sweet and Spicy Carrots

Follow Mary’s published recipe step by step. Use Keep Screen Awake on the recipe card if needed.

Step 1 of 4

STEP 1

Heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat. Add the butter and melt.

STEP 2

Add the carrots and toss with the butter. Add the chicken stock and hot honey. Season with kosher salt and pepper and mix.

STEP 3

Cover and steam for approximately 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender but still firm.

STEP 4

Remove the lid and increase the heat to cook off any remaining liquid. Add the za’atar and sauté for 1 minute longer. Remove and serve.

How to Make Za’atar-Spiced Sweet and Spicy Carrots

Melt the Butter

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter.

Coat the Carrots

Add the carrots and toss until coated.

Add the Glaze

Stir in the stock, hot honey, salt and pepper.

Steam

Cover and cook about 10 minutes until tender but firm.

Reduce

Remove the lid and cook off the remaining liquid.

Finish with Za’atar

Add the za’atar, sauté 1 minute and serve.

Recipe Guidance

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of stock until hot.

Make Ahead

Peel and cut the carrots up to 1 day ahead. Cook shortly before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as a side dish with the glossy hot-honey glaze spooned over the top.

Mary’s Introduction

Why These Flavors Work