Sautéed Broccoli and Baby Carrots with Toasted Almonds
This vibrant and nutritious dish combines tender baby carrots and crisp-tender broccoli, all enhanced by the nutty flavor of toasted almonds. Ideal for a healthy side dish, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the shallots bring a hint of savory richness. Perfect for any dinner table or potluck, you’ll find that the textures and flavors complement each other beautifully. Share this delightful creation at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced natural almonds
1/2 cup (Toast in a dry skillet until golden)
baby carrots
1 lb (Trimmed and rinsed)
broccoli florets
1 head (Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
butter
2 tablespoons (Unsalted, for sautéing)
shallot
1/4 cup (Chopped)
reduced-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock
1/2 cup (Canned)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a medium skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced almonds and toast for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove the almonds from the skillet, transfer them to a small bowl, cover, and set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add the baby carrots and cook for about 7 minutes or until they are just tender. Carefully transfer the carrots to a bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process. After cooling, drain the carrots and pat dry with paper towels.
3
In the same boiling water, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
4
When ready to serve, melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they're softened.
5
Next, add the cooked carrots and broccoli to the skillet along with the chicken broth (or turkey stock), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are heated through and the broth has almost evaporated, about 5 minutes.
6
Finally, transfer the sautéed vegetables to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the toasted almonds, and serve hot to enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of Sautéed Broccoli and Baby Carrots with Toasted Almonds?
The dish highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables enhanced by the nutty flavor of toasted almonds and savory richness from shallots.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients required: almonds, baby carrots, broccoli, butter, shallot, chicken broth or turkey stock, salt, and black pepper.
How should I toast the sliced almonds?
Toast the almonds in a dry medium skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown.
What should I do with the almonds after toasting them?
Remove them from the skillet, transfer them to a small bowl, cover them, and set them aside until you are ready to serve.
How long do the baby carrots need to boil?
The baby carrots should be cooked in lightly salted boiling water for about 7 minutes or until they are just tender.
Why do the carrots need to go into ice water after boiling?
The carrots are placed in ice water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and preserve their texture.
How long do I cook the broccoli florets?
The broccoli florets should be added to the boiling water and cooked for 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What is the best way to handle the vegetables after blanching?
After cooling in water, drain both the carrots and broccoli thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
What size skillet is recommended for the final sautéing step?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended for melting the butter and sautéing the vegetables.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How long should I sauté the chopped shallots?
Sauté the 1/4 cup of chopped shallots for about 2 minutes until they have softened.
What kind of liquid is added to the vegetables in the skillet?
You can use 1/2 cup of either reduced-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock.
When are the salt and pepper added?
Add the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the skillet when you add the vegetables and broth.
How long do the vegetables cook once the broth is added?
Cook the covered vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and the broth has almost evaporated.
When do you add the toasted almonds to the dish?
The toasted almonds are sprinkled over the sautéed vegetables just before serving.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant and nutritious vegetable side dish.
Can I use turkey stock instead of chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that canned turkey stock is a suitable substitute for reduced-sodium chicken broth.
How should the broccoli be prepared before cooking?
The broccoli should be trimmed and cut into bite-sized florets.
What is the recommended amount of baby carrots?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of baby carrots, trimmed and rinsed.
Does this recipe include any added sugar?
No, this recipe contains no added sugar.
What type of almonds should I buy?
You should use 1/2 cup of sliced natural almonds.
How should the dish be served?
Transfer the vegetables to a serving bowl, top with almonds, and serve hot.
Are the shallots cooked before adding the other vegetables?
Yes, the chopped shallots are sautéed in butter for about 2 minutes until softened before adding the carrots and broccoli.
Is the skillet covered during the final heating process?
Yes, once the vegetables and broth are combined in the skillet, you should cover it while they heat through.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a vegetable side dish, healthy recipe, easy cooking, and a crowd-pleaser.
Can this recipe be served at a potluck?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for any dinner table or potluck.
How much broccoli is needed?
One head of broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets, is required.
What is the role of the shallots in this dish?
The shallots provide a hint of savory richness to the vegetable mix.
How often should you stir the vegetables during the final cooking stage?
You should stir the vegetables occasionally while they are heating in the broth.
What texture should the baby carrots have after boiling?
They should be boiled until they are just tender.