Orange and Clove Spiced Carrots
a side dish recipe
With a lifelong passion for cooking Chris brings a unique blend of culinary expertise, creativity, and artistic flair to every dish. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to merge artistic vision with the culinary arts, Chris has found true fulfillment as a recipe developer and photographer. Through the lens of the camera, Chris skillfully captures the essence and beauty of each dish, transforming food into visual poetry. The result is a captivating fusion of flavors, textures, and aesthetics, inviting you to savor every moment. Follow Chris’s culinary adventures on Instagram at
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During the holidays, whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, I have to confess—I’ve always been more excited about the sides than the main dish. Don’t get me wrong, turkey or roast beef is great, but there’s something about the variety and creativity of side dishes that makes them steal the show for me. Carrots, in particular, have a special place on my holiday table. They’re simple, comforting, and so easy to elevate into something deliciously special.
This recipe is one of my favorites because it combines the natural sweetness of carrots with warm spices like cloves and cinnamon, plus a pop of bright orange flavor that feels festive and fresh. The creamy yogurt sauce adds a tangy contrast that makes the dish feel balanced and just a little bit fancy. It’s the kind of side that’s easy to prepare but makes you look like you went the extra mile. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just adding a touch of flair to a cozy family meal, these carrots are always a hit.
TIME (ACTIVE) | 15 M
TIME (INACTIVE) | 25 M
TOTAL | 40 M
4-6 SERVINGS
| 4 oz
- Prep the Carrots: Peel the carrots and trim the tops and ends as needed for presentation. Choose medium-sized carrots for even cooking; larger carrots may require splitting in half lengthwise if they are too thick.
- Start Cooking the Carrots: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the whole carrots and cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, to lightly soften and brown them slightly.
- Add the Glaze: Stir in the honey (or maple syrup), orange zest, orange juice, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss or roll the carrots gently in the glaze to coat them evenly. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning the carrots occasionally, until they are tender.
- Caramelize the Glaze: Uncover the skillet and increase the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, turning the carrots frequently to ensure they are evenly coated and the glaze thickens and caramelizes.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, honey, garlic, orange zest, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the whole carrots on a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and garnish with chopped parsley or mint. Serve with the yogurt sauce drizzled over the top or on the side.
Store the glazed carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or orange juice if the glaze thickens too much. Store the yogurt sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a sprinkle of toasted almonds and pomegranate arils on top before serving.
Make Ahead: These carrots can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
ground
Freshly ground cloves yield a rich chocolatey brown powder with an intense aroma and a powerful warming flavor.
0.35 oz - PORTION$0.50
2 oz - JAR$8
2 oz - REFILL$7
8 oz - REFILL$24
cassia
ground
Ground cassia cinnamon's spicy, warm flavor and aroma star in many homespun fall and winter recipes. Cassia is dominant variety of cinnamon in America.
0.28 oz - PORTION$0.50
2 oz - JAR$8
2 oz - REFILL$7
8 oz - REFILL$24
ground
Nutmeg has a warm, sweet, slightly pungent aroma and taste. Ground nutmeg is a clumpy, light colored, orange-brown powder.
0.32 oz - PORTION$0.50
2 oz - JAR$6
2 oz - REFILL$5
