BUTTERED PAPRIKA CARROTS

Delicious is an understatement when it comes to describing this dish. I am one of those many kids who did not like cooked carrots. Raw carrots I would eat for days without any trouble, I especially loved dipping the raw carrot in salt then munching like a sweet. Cooked carrots on the other hand, was torture eating them. I would try my hardest to eat, but would time when mom was looking away and drop them on the floor, to pick up later when no one was watching. Horrible, I know! But I h.a.t.e.d cooked carrots. I guess it was the way they were cooked so they turned soggy and tasteless and so I could not stand them. Fast forward to gown up me and I realized there are so many ways to cook carrots that made them delicious and not soggy at all! In my cooking adventure I learnt that vegetables need to be cooked for very little time, not only to maintain their crunch but not to loose the awesome nutrients that were in these veggies. Adding spices to carrots also made them that much more delicious as a side dish and even the main dish. Today's recipe was inspired by my need to have something quick, delicious and can be eaten both as a snack and a main meal. Buttered carrots is a lovely way of bringing out the flavour of this vegetable without too much hustle in the kitchen. What are some of the foods that you hated as a child but now enjoy as an adult? Let me know in the comments below, let's share our experiences!

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups Carrots
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Pinch Salt

METHOD

Melt butter in non stick pan

Add salt

Add paprika

Add chopped carrots into the pan

Let the carrots cook for several minutes before turning, cook until cooked through but still crunchy

Serve immediately garnished with cilantro

BUTTERED PAPRIKA CARROTS

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 10 Minutes

Cook time: 20 Minutes

Total time: 30 Minutes

Yield: 2 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Carrots
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• Pinch Salt

Cooking Directions

1. Melt butter in non stick pan. Add salt. Add paprika. Add chopped carrots into the pan. Let the carrots cook for several minutes before turning, cook until cooked through but still crunchy
2. Serve immediately garnished with cilantro

Buttered Paprika Carrots – FAQs

What type of carrots work best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, medium-sized carrots. Baby carrots can also work, but if using larger carrots, slice them evenly to ensure they cook through properly.

Can I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?
Yes! Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the butter, but regular paprika will give a milder, sweeter taste. Both work well depending on your preference.

Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like olive oil or vegan margarine. The paprika seasoning remains the same, so you’ll still enjoy the full flavor.

How long should I cook the carrots to get the perfect tenderness?
Cooking time usually ranges from 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat. You want the carrots tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still with a slight bite.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Buttered Paprika Carrots a few hours in advance and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a little extra butter or oil when reheating to keep them moist.

Printable Nutrition Card (Per serving, approx. 1 cup)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~110 kcal	Mainly from butter and carrots
Protein	~1 g	Carrots provide minimal protein
Carbohydrates	~12 g	Mostly natural sugars and fiber from carrots
Sugars	~6 g	Natural sugars from carrots
Total Fat	~7 g	From butter (or oil if substituted)
Saturated Fat	~4 g	From butter
Fiber	~3 g	Good source from carrots
Sodium	~150 mg	Depends on added salt

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and butter quantity.

Dietary Information Table

Diet Type	Suitable?	Notes
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Contains dairy (butter)
Vegan	⚠️ With mods	Use plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy butter
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free
Dairy-Free	⚠️ With mods	Replace butter with non-dairy alternatives
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no nuts
Low Carb	✅ Yes	Moderate carb content from carrots

Tip: For a smoky depth, try using smoked paprika, and adjust butter or oil based on dietary preferences.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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