Name: Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick rounds; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1/2 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley); 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

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If you’re looking for a side dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with vibrant colors and delightful textures, look no further than Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas. This dish transforms humble veggies into a charming, flavorful accompaniment that feels both fresh and comforting. The natural sweetness of the carrots and peas perfectly marries with the zing of Dijon mustard and the gentle warmth of honey, making it a recipe you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.

Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a unique role in bringing the Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas to life. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the brightness of apple cider vinegar, every component works harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.

Unsalted butter (1 Tablespoon): Provides a smooth, rich base to sauté the vegetables without overpowering their natural sweetness.
Carrots (1 pound, peeled and sliced): The star of the dish offering sweetness and a satisfying bite; slicing them evenly ensures even cooking.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice that deepens the overall taste.
Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of color and a gentle sweetness that complements the carrots beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness and lifts the dish.
Honey or maple syrup (1 Tablespoon): Balances the acidity with natural sweetness for a perfect harmony.
Dijon mustard (1 Tablespoon): Infuses the dish with zesty, sharp flavor that’s key to the honey mustard profile.
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon) or fresh parsley (1/2 Tablespoon): Offers a fresh herbal touch that rounds out the flavors and adds visual appeal.

How to Make Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Carrots

Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the butter. Swirl the pan gently to melt the butter evenly, creating a luscious base for cooking your vegetables. Adding the carrots now, along with salt and pepper, allows them to sauté until they develop a lovely golden color and slightly caramelized edges, which enhances their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Add Peas and Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

Once the carrots are beautifully golden, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the peas. These tender gems add bursts of sweetness and that vibrant green color we all love. Next, pour in the apple cider vinegar, drizzle the honey or maple syrup, and spoon in the Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in the dried parsley at this point to infuse gentle herbal notes—if you’re using fresh parsley, hold off until the next step. Stir everything thoroughly so the carrots and peas are evenly coated in this tangy-sweet sauce.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet and let the veggies simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors and softens the carrots just enough to enjoy their tender but still slightly firm texture. Keep an eye on the liquid levels—there should be enough sauce to create a lovely glaze, not so much that the dish becomes watery.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

If you chose fresh parsley, now is the perfect time to sprinkle it over your Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas before serving. The fresh herbs will add a bright note and a splash of color, making the dish look as delightful as it tastes. Serve immediately to enjoy every bit of that glossy, flavorful coating.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas

Garnishes

Adding a garnish can elevate this simple vegetable side into something special. Consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or finely minced chives for a burst of freshness. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds can add an unexpected nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the honey mustard glaze.

Side Dishes

This recipe is incredibly versatile as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon. The sweet-tangy flavors of Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas make it a great balance to rich proteins or as part of a vegetarian meal when served alongside grains like quinoa or fluffy mashed potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas in small individual ramekins or inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers to add a pop of color and elegance to your table. You could also toss the veggies with cooked couscous or rice for a hearty salad-like dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them a convenient option for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes very well. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly. Frozen, Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas can last up to 2 months without losing much of their bright flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain the glaze’s consistency and prevent it from drying out. Adding a splash of water or a bit more apple cider vinegar can refresh the sauce during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen for Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas?

Absolutely! Fresh peas work wonderfully here and add an even sweeter, more vibrant flavor. Just add them a little earlier in the cooking process to ensure they’re tender.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can substitute whole grain mustard or yellow mustard if Dijon isn’t available, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly. Dijon offers a smooth, sharp tang that best complements the honey.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Definitely! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based margarine or oil, and use maple syrup instead of honey. The vibrant flavors will still shine through beautifully.

How thin or thick should the carrot slices be?

Slicing the carrots between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick strikes the perfect balance: thick enough to hold texture and thin enough to cook tender in the cooking time.

Can I add other vegetables to Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas?

Sure! Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas or thinly sliced bell peppers to create even more color and flavor variety.

Final Thoughts

Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas is one of those delightful dishes that turns simple ingredients into something memorable. Its bright, sweet, and tangy flavors paired with gorgeous color and texture make it a dish every home cook should have in their repertoire. Give it a try—once you do, I promise it will become a favorite on your dinner table as well.

Honey Mustard Carrots and Peas Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful side dish featuring tender carrots and sweet peas coated in a tangy honey mustard glaze, perfect for complementing any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4– to 1/2-inch thick rounds
1/2 cup frozen peas

Seasonings and Extras

1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1/2 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley)

Sauce and Cooking Base

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Heat the Butter: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and swirl the pan until it is melted, creating a flavorful base for the vegetables.
Cook Carrots: Add the sliced carrots along with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots turn golden and slightly tender.
Add Peas and Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the frozen peas, then pour in the apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle the dried parsley (or hold off if using fresh parsley) and stir well to thoroughly coat the vegetables in the flavorful honey mustard mixture.
Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the carrots to become fully tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finish and Serve: If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the dish now. Serve the honey mustard carrots and peas immediately as a delicious and vibrant side dish.

Notes

Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor—add it at the end to maintain its freshness and color.
You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a vegan version.
Adjust cooking time to your preferred carrot tenderness.
Use salted butter to reduce added salt if desired.
For a more intense mustard flavor, increase Dijon mustard slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing and simmering
Cuisine: American