Glazed carrots with star anise
Let’s talk veg, shall we? Specifically, these buttery, juicy, star anise-infused carrots that deserve pride of place on your festive table. Why? Because they’re unapologetically indulgent, gloriously golden, and bursting with flavour that will make even the most stubborn veg-avoiders swoon. Plus, they’re a subtle two-fingers-up to anyone who thinks veg can’t be exciting. Trolls beware: these big, girthy carrots are coming for you.
A message to the trolls
Recently, someone graced my socials with their oh-so-insightful opinion that all I eat is “unhealthy” food and that, shock horror, I’m fat. Well, huns, I’m here to say I love the size I am, I’m happy, and absolutely thriving, thank you very much. And in honour of their unsolicited critique, I bring you… carrots. But not just any carrots. These beauties are dripping in butter, laced with orange zest, and simmered with star anise for a festive twist. Because let’s be real: it’s Christmas, and if you can’t enjoy a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth carrot now, when can you? So grab a fork, or better yet, take one of these hefty carrots and… well, I’ll let you figure out where to stick it. (Kindly, of course x)
Why these carrots need to make it onto your next Sunday roast
Carrots are often overlooked on the Christmas table, relegated to being the “healthy” side dish next to the glorious goose-fat roasties and creamy cauliflower cheese. But these carrots are anything but boring. They’re packed with intense flavour, thanks to a genius combo of butter, orange peel, and star anise, with a splash of carrot juice to amplify their natural sweetness. The result? A side dish so good, you might just skip the turkey and go back for seconds of these instead. Please make them and report back.
Glazed carrots with star anise
By Poppy Cooks
https://www.poppycooks.com/recipes/glazed-carrots-with-star-anise/
Ingredients
- Carrot juice (to cover)
- 4 carrots (do as many as needed - scale up)
- 2 star anise
- 1 orange, zested with a peeler into strips
- 40g unsalted butter, diced
- Salt, to season
Metric
Imperial
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºc/160ºc fan/350ºf.
- Wash and peel your carrots, keeping as much of a shape to them as possible.
- Add the carrot juice, orange zest strips and star anise to an oven safe dish, throw in the carrots and diced butter.
- Cover with tinfoil and pop into the oven for approximately one hour.
- Once cooked and tender, season with flaky salt and serve.