Coca-Cola Carrots

Coca-Cola Carrots

from southernliving.com
Side Dish
50 min
4 servings

A bottle of Coke may be the last "special ingredient" you'd imagine for a vegetable side dish, but these Coca-Cola carrots will convince you its really a multi-talented drink.

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp.unsalted butter
  • ½ cupchopped shallots (from 2 large [3 oz. total] shallots)
  • 4sprigs thyme, plus more fresh leaves for garnish
  • 2 lb.carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/4-in.-thick coins (about 5 cups)
  • 1bottle or can cola soft drink (preferably coca-cola)
  • ½ cupchicken stock
  • 2 ½ tbsp.country-style dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp.light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp.kosher salt
  • ⅛ tsp.crushed red pepper (optional)
  • ¼ cupchopped toasted pecans

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

  2. 2

    Heat butter in a large 5- to 6-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium until melted. Add shallot and cook, stirring often, until just slightly softened, about 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add thyme, carrots, cola, stock, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper (if using).  Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high, then reduce to a simmer over medium-low. Cover and simmer, undisturbed, until carrots are just tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer carrot mixture to a platter using a slotted spoon; discard thyme sprigs.

  4. 4

    Increase heat to medium-high; cook sauce mixture, uncovered and stirring often, until thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup, 8 to 12 minutes. Return carrots to sauce mixture and reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until carrots are tender and lightly glazed in sauce, about 8 minutes.

  5. 5

    Return carrot mixture to platter. Sprinkle with pecans; garnish with thyme. Serve immediately.