Orange Spirited Carrots

These carrots get a boozy, citrusy treatment that turns a basic vegetable side into something worth talking about. Slivered carrots steam in the microwave with vodka, butter, sugar, and freshly grated orange zest until tender and glossy.

The vodka does more than just add a fun twist. As it heats with the butter and sugar, it reduces into a light glaze that clings to every sliver. The alcohol cooks off during the 10 to 12 minutes of microwaving, leaving behind a clean, sharp flavor that brightens the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Fresh orange zest is a must here. Dried zest or orange extract won’t give you the same fragrant, oily punch that fresh grated peel brings.

Kitchen Tips

• Sliver the carrots into thin, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate. Thick chunks will be crunchy when the thin ones are done.
• Stir a few times during cooking to redistribute the glaze and ensure even tenderness.
• Use a deep casserole dish. The vodka can bubble up as it heats, and a shallow dish makes a mess.

Variations

• Swap vodka for Grand Marnier or Cointreau for an even more intense orange flavor.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or a few thyme sprigs for an herby-spiced version.
• Roast in the oven instead of microwaving for caramelized edges. Spread on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.