Is there a more wholesome image than a bunch of fresh-picked carrots, green tops and all? They're supposed to improve your eyesight and blast your body with much-needed antioxidant beta-carotene and vitamin C. They add their lovely color and sweetness to everything, and carrot juice is a thing of marvel.
So besides cutting them up into sticks and eating them raw, what else can we do with them?
My default method of using carrots is to think of them as huge-grained rice. RICE? Yes, rice. I peel the carrots, then slice them into little planks (as best I can - it's best not to worry too much about uniformity), then into long sticks, then into small pieces about the size of a jumbo grain of rice on steroids. Three medium to large carrots will yield about four cups, which is a one-person portion, at least for me, because what's about to happen to them is so tasty.
Heat up a wok or chef's pan with some olive oil and butter (about a teaspoon each), or, even better, use ghee (clarified butter). Toss in the carrots and, optionally, about a cup of finely diced onion. Season liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black peppercorns.
Then add the secret weapon: freshly ground cardamom, which is available just about anywhere these days, but I find that Indian markets will invariably have the freshest (and cheapest). I buy mine in seed form (minus the husk), and then grind a few tablespoons at a time in my coffee/spice grinder, and set it in a small ceramic bowl on my stove. (It's the same principle as putting some item in front of the door the night before you need it: If it's visible and obvious, you won't forget about it!). For the carrots, I typically use about two teaspoons.
Sauté until the carrots get soft, about 20 minutes. You can enjoy them as is, or add a little milk toward the end, which gives the carrots a supercreamy feel and taste.They are super delicious, with or without the milk.
I'm always on the lookout for new ways to cook carrots. Does anyone have any favorites?

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