Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just 30 minutes, Carrots Lyonnaise is a time-saving yet impressive side dish.
- Classic French Flavor: This recipe brings the elegance of French cuisine into your home with minimal effort.
- Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from roast chicken to lamb or duck.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a casual meal, this dish adds a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds fresh carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup water
- Minced fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Boil the Carrots: In a Dutch oven, bring an inch of water to a boil. Add the carrots, cover, and cook for 5-8 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the sliced onions until tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the flour, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper, and gradually add the water. Bring to a boil and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Combine: Drain the cooked carrots and stir them into the sauce, making sure the carrots are well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 8 people.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Lemon Zest: For a zesty twist, grate a little lemon zest into the dish just before serving.
- Finish with Nuts: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Use Parsnips: If you’re not a fan of carrots, substitute with parsnips for a similar but slightly different taste and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Carrots Lyonnaise can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Carrots Lyonnaise in advance. Store the dish in the fridge and reheat it just before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of fat for sautéing?
You can substitute the butter with olive oil or another fat of your choice, though butter adds a rich flavor that complements the dish.
3. Can I use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon?
Yes, vegetable bouillon works well if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
4. How do I ensure the carrots are cooked just right?
Be careful not to overcook the carrots. Cook them until just crisp-tender, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
5. Can I freeze Carrots Lyonnaise?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze Carrots Lyonnaise for up to a month. When reheating, the texture may change slightly, but the flavor will remain.
6. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, for a more complex flavor profile.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a bit of heat.
8. What can I serve with Carrots Lyonnaise?
This dish pairs well with a variety of proteins, including roasted chicken, lamb, or even a hearty vegetarian dish like a mushroom-stuffed pastry.
9. Is this recipe suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! Carrots Lyonnaise is elegant enough for a holiday table and pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour, and ensure the bouillon granules are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Carrots Lyonnaise is a delightful side dish that combines tender carrots and sweet onions in a flavorful, rich sauce. Perfect for elevating any meal, this French classic is simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave a lasting impression.
Carrots Lyonnaise Recipe
Carrots Lyonnaise is a classic French side dish featuring tender carrots and sautéed onions in a rich, savory sauce. Quick and easy, this elegant dish is ready in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Carrots Lyonnaise adds a gourmet touch to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds fresh carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1 cup water
- Minced fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Carrots: In a Dutch oven, bring an inch of water to a boil. Add the carrots, cover, and cook for 5-8 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions until tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the flour, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the water, bring to a boil, and cook for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Drain the carrots and stir them into the sauce, coating them evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with minced parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add lemon zest for a fresh, zesty twist.
- For extra texture, top with toasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds.
- Substitute parsnips if you prefer a different root vegetable.
