5 Ways To Use Carrots For Your Family Meals

We all have been there, staring at our grocery list trying to figure out how to incorporate veggies for dinner in a way we will actually enjoy. When veggies are an afterthought on your dinner menu, it can be difficult to find that perfect veggie and recipe to keep you interested in the most nutritious part of your meal. Carrots are a fast and easy way to incorporate those veggies back into your family meals. And the best part, they are cheap and easy to prepare. With these recipes, you’ll never have to worry about your veggie intake again. Here are 5 ways to use carrots for your family meals.

These carrots are a perfect balance of sweet and rustic.

1. Brown Sugar Baked Carrots

This recipe compliments the natural sweetness of carrots while giving it a rustic aromatic that is unforgettable. Brown sugar releases the natural aromatics of carrots while providing that sweetness that keeps you coming back for seconds. 

Ingredients

• 10 carrots, peeled and halved
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 4 tsp butter, diced

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350F. Prepare a baking sheet by laying down parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Lay down your carrots. Season them with your salt, pepper, cinnamon and brown sugar. Mix your carrots to thoroughly coat the surface. Next, melt your butter in a small saucepan on low heat, we don’t want to burn our butter here. Gently pour over your carrots and coat thoroughly. Roast your carrots in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until soft and cooked through. About half way through your roasting, mix the carrots. Remove from heat and pour your remaining butter over the top. Sprinkle lightly with your brown sugar. Serve and enjoy. 

This recipe is a fast and easy way to make veggies great.

2. Grilled Carrots

This recipe is a great pairing for a sirloin or grilled protein. These grilled carrots, with its’ fresh mint, adds that perfect sense of rustic warmth and freshness to your next dinner. Grilled carrots are perfect and easy to cook for your family without breaking your bank or taking a significant amount of time to prepare. Yet the flavors of this recipe are unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of small carrots
• 1 squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper

Directions

Preheat your grill or stove on high heat. Toss your carrots  lightly in your olive oil, seasoning with your salt and pepper. Grill directly over the heat until charred, about 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer to indirect heat and cover for 17 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set on a platter. In a small bowl, add additional olive oil, lemon juice, and harissa. Lightly drizzle over the carrots. Serve and enjoy. 

This recipe is great for adding that pop of color to your dinner table.

3. Shredded Carrot And Cabbage Coleslaw

Looking for a way to use those leftover shredded carrots? This recipe is a perfect way to liven up your veggie game while making a delicious and healthy side dish. The cabbage and carrots make for a beautiful combination that will leave your family feeling happy and healthy. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pound shredded carrots
• ½ small red cabbage
• ½ cup scallions, sliced
• 1 pinch salt

Directions

Combine your vinegar, mustard, spices, and honey into a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and toss your carrots and cabbage in the mixture. Lightly sprinkle your scallions over the top. Refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving. Serve and enjoy. 

This recipe is a great way to liven up your veggie game as a stand alone dish.

4. Roasted Carrots And Parmesan

This recipe is perfect for feeding your family without having to stress about extensive prep. This recipe releases sweet aromatics that are unlike any other. These carrots are coupled with the sharp and subtle flavor of parmesan cheese and bread crumbs that make it feel like an entree. This stand alone dish is a great way to wow your family for your next dinner. 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots, washed and halved
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp bread crumbs
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400F. Lightly grease your baking dish. Arrange your carrots on the baking dish. Add in your olive oil, parmesan, garlic, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Lightly toss your ingredients to coat the carrots. Spread out and bake for 20 to 25. Toss with a spatula until cooked through and soft. Remove from heat and top with your parmesan and parsley. Serve and enjoy. 

This recipe is a great way to add that special ginger crunch to your next dinner.

5. Ginger Soy Glazed Carrots

When you’re looking for that perfect zing to your next meal, ginger soy glazed carrots are a must try. This recipe is perfect for when you’re looking to add that zest of ginger to your meal. This personal favorite of mine, is a cheap and delicious way to eat  your veggies. Try this recipe out when you’re looking to liven up your veggie game. 

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 dash soy sauce
• 1 pinch pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ chives, chopped

Directions

Begin by peeling your carrots. Take a large skillet and fill ¼ inch of boiling water on medium high heat. Cook your carrots until tender for 7 to 9 minutes. Drain the skillet and return to the stove. Add in your butter and grated ginger. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add in your lemon juice, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Remove from heat and top with chives. Serve and enjoy. 

When you’re looking for a fast way to incorporate veggies into your family meals, it can be hard to find recipes that your family will enjoy. For those picky eaters who don’t want to eat their veggies, carrots are a cheap and easy way to incorporate those healthy vitamins back into your dinner. When you’re looking to liven up your family meals, these 5 fun carrot recipes are guaranteed to be a  hit at your next family dinner.