Steaming Carrots: Slow Cooker Method For Perfect Results

Steaming carrots in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a tasty and nutritious side dish with minimal effort. This simple cooking method enhances the natural sweetness of carrots, making them a perfect pairing for a variety of main courses. With just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create tender and delicious carrots that will be a hit with both adults and kids.

How to prepare carrots for steaming

Preparing carrots for steaming is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, start by selecting and purchasing fresh carrots. Look for carrots with a vibrant orange colour and firm texture. Avoid carrots that have signs of wilting, cracks, or soft spots.

Next, wash the carrots thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface of the carrots. This step ensures that your carrots are clean and safe to eat.

After washing, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin of the carrots. Peeling is optional, but it helps remove any tough or bitter-tasting layers and improves the overall texture and taste.

Now, trim the stem and root ends of the carrots using a sharp knife. You can leave some of the stems intact for a prettier presentation if you plan to cook the carrots whole. If not, simply trim them to about 1 inch in length.

Once the carrots are cleaned and trimmed, it's time to cut them into the desired size. For steaming, cut the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You can cut them into slices, roughly 1/4-inch thick, or into strips about 2 inches long and 1/4-inch thick.

If you prefer baby carrots, you can use those instead of cutting full-sized carrots. Baby carrots are already peeled and cut into small pieces, saving you some preparation time. However, some sources suggest that full-sized carrots may yield better flavour for steamed dishes.

Finally, if you're not planning to steam the carrots immediately, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place the prepared carrots in an airtight container or sealable bag, and they should stay fresh for a few days.

That's it! You now have perfectly prepared carrots ready for steaming. Remember to adjust the cutting size according to your preference and the specific steaming recipe you're following.

How long to steam carrots in a slow cooker

Steaming carrots in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare them as a tasty, versatile side dish that goes well with many different main courses. The time it takes to steam carrots in a slow cooker depends on the quantity of carrots, the size they are cut, and the temperature setting of the slow cooker.

Preparation

First, peel and slice the carrots. For the best flavour, use fresh carrots that still have their green tops on. Give them a good scrub, and there is no need to peel them. You can also use baby carrots, but the flavour may not be as good. If you are using full-sized carrots, slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or chunks.

Place the carrots in the slow cooker. You can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the carrots, such as butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, or maple syrup. Stir the ingredients together until the carrots are coated.

Cooking Time

Cook the carrots on a high setting for 1 1/2 to 3 hours, or on a low setting for 2 1/2 to 6 hours, until they are tender. If you want to thicken the glaze, remove the cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

Serving

Sprinkle the carrots with parsley before serving.

How to make glazed carrots

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs carrots
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Method:

• Peel and slice the carrots into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Place the carrots in a slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Pour the brown sugar mixture over the carrots and toss to coat.
• Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or until carrots are tender.
• If you want to thicken the glaze, remove the cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

How to make savoury slow cooker carrots

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Parsley (optional)

Method

• Start by peeling and slicing your carrots into 1/2-inch chunks or slices.
• Place the carrots in your slow cooker.
• Melt the butter and pour it into the slow cooker.
• Add the maple syrup or honey, lemon zest, and salt to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway through.
• If desired, sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Tips

• For a savoury version of this recipe, you can reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup and add some black pepper and garlic powder.
• You can also add other herbs and seasonings to taste, such as rosemary or thyme.
• These slow cooker carrots can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To reheat, place in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store leftover steamed carrots

Once you've steamed your carrots in a slow cooker, you might be left with some leftovers. Here's how to store them:

Firstly, allow the carrots to cool completely. It's important not to skip this step, as storing hot food can create steam that will affect the quality of the food and encourage bacterial growth. Once your carrots are cool, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store cooked carrots in the refrigerator for up to five days.

If you want to keep your leftover steamed carrots for longer, you can freeze them. Blanch the carrots first to preserve their nutrients and taste. To do this, cut off the tops, wash and peel the carrots, then chop them into your desired size. Place the carrots in boiling water for around three to five minutes, then remove them and place them in ice water for the same amount of time. Drain the carrots and lay them out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for around two hours, then transfer the carrots to freezer bags or containers. Label the container with the date, then place them back in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 12 months.

Frequently asked questions