Braised Carrots With Crisp Sage Recipes

BRAISED CARROTS WITH CRISP SAGE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a 12-inch straight-sided heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then fry sage leaves, stirring, until just crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
• Add carrots to oil in skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer, covered, until carrots are just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove lid and boil, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced to a glaze, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve carrots sprinkled with sage leaves.

CARROT SOUP WITH CRISPY SAGE

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large wide pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, sage sprigs, shallots, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots soften, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the carrots and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter begins to brown and the carrots are tender but not fully cooked, about 12 minutes. Add the cider and 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the carrots are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the sage sprigs and cool the soup slightly.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the sage leaves and cook until bright green and crisp, 20 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, sprinkle with salt and set aside.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender in the pot or, working in batches, puree in a blender until smooth, taking care not to fill the carafe more than half full per batch. Reheat the soup over medium heat. Stir in the vinegar and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a small spoonful of creme fraiche and a crispy sage leaf.

CARROTS WITH SHALLOTS, SAGE, AND THYME

Steps:

• Cut carrots into 3-by 1/2-inch sticks.
• Bring stock to a boil with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a 12-inch heavy skillet. Add carrots and simmer, covered, until just tender, about 15 minutes.
• Remove lid and boil until most of liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Transfer carrots to a bowl and wipe out skillet.
• Cook shallots in butter with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden- brown, about 6 minutes.
• Add sage, thyme, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and return carrots to skillet, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
• What to drink:
• Josmeyer Les Folastries Gewürztraminer '05

QUICK-BRAISED CARROTS WITH BUTTER

Steps:

• Place all ingredients except the fresh parsley or mint in a medium saucepan over high heat, bring to a boil, and cover.
• Turn heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes.
• Uncover saucepan and raise the heat a little.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and carrots are cooking in butter or oil.
• Lower the heat and keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until carrots are tender (not mushy), a couple of minutes longer.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
• Garnish with the fresh parsley or mint and enjoy!

BRAISED CARROTS

Steps:

• Cut carrots into 1/8 in rounds or 1/4 in dice.
• In a wide, low pot melt butter over medium heat, add carrots and cook about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until carrots have a "glazed" look.
• Add, sugar and cook another minute.
• Add salt and 1/4 cup hot water, cover, reduce heat to medium low and let cook until carrots are done, checking and stirring occasionally. Add a little more water if necessary to prevent sticking. Dish should be almost dry when done.
• I usually cook for 10 minutes but cooking time can vary considerably due to age and sort of carrots as well as your your personal preference.
• When done serve sprinkled with a little parsley or chervil (which is nice with fish).