Perfect Side Dish - It's so vibrant and pretty to serve..Weeknight meals - The great flavor should not be saved for the holiday table. Add this healthy side to your weekly rotation.
Wash and peel one pound of whole carrots. Cut each carrot down the middle so you have a flat surface on one side of each carrot. I also cut them in quarters, so they fit in the cast iron skillet easily.
Combine ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 Tbsp melted butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 Tbsp bourbon, and ⅛ - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Add ¾ Tbsp. olive oil to a cast iron or heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to swirl, place carrots (working in batches) flat side down in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
Flip the carrots and cook another 5 minutes. Remove the first batch from the skillet and add another ¾ Tbsp. olive oil and repeat with the remaining carrots.
Add the first batch of carrots back into the pan. Pour the sauce mixture over the carrots. Lower to medium heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by ⅓ and the carrots are fork-tender.
PRO Tip: ·Be patient, and don't move the carrots in the pan for the first 5 minutes. The key to these carrots is for them to become caramelized. A natural sweetness in carrots is brought out when cooking with high heat.