Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays; however, eating the same dishes year after year can be a little monotonous, so this Thursday all the classics are getting a modern twist. Glazed carrots have always been an essential dish for my feast, but I crave more complex flavor. Pomegranate-balsamic glazed carrots fits the ticket perfectly.
The sweet glaze combines honey, balsamic vinegar, and pomegranate juice. Topping the dish with fresh mint and a subtle touch of cayenne pepper balances the sweetness. Chopping the carrots requires some attention, but they can be prepped six hours ahead of time. This is a fast side dish and only requires about 20 minutes of cook time. Want a new glaze for your carrots? Then keep reading.

Ingredients
1/4 cup pure pomegranate juice
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. honey
1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
2 lb. carrots, trimmed, peeled, and cut into sticks about 2 inches long and 3/8 inch wide
Kosher salt
1/3 cup lower-salt chicken broth
1/8 tsp. cayenne
2 Tbs. lightly packed thinly sliced fresh mint
Directions
- The carrots can be cut up 6 hours ahead. Cut the carrots into 2 inch pieces. Cut those pieces down the middle. Place the flat side on the cutting board and cut into 3/8 inch wide strips.

- Combine the juice, vinegar, and honey in a liquid measuring cup and whisk. Cut 1 Tbs. of the butter into 4 pieces and refrigerate.
- In a 12-inch skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tbs. butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted, add the carrots and 1-1/2 tsp. salt and toss well to coat. Cook without stirring until the bottom layer of carrots is lightly browned in spots, 4 to 5 minutes. Using tongs, stir and flip the carrots and then leave undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to brown. Continue cooking, occasionally stirring and flipping, until most of the carrots are a bit browned in places and are starting to feel tender, an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium if the bottom of the pan begins to brown too much.

- Carefully add the chicken broth, cover quickly, and cook until all but about 1 Tbs. of the broth has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Uncover, reduce the heat to medium low, and add the pomegranate mixture (re-whisk, if necessary) and the cayenne. Cook, stirring gently, until the mixture reduces and becomes slightly glazy, about 1 minute.

- Take the pan off the heat, add the chilled butter, and gently toss with a heatproof spatula until the butter has melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Season to taste with salt and stir in about two-thirds of the mint. Serve in a warm shallow bowl or on a platter, garnished with the remaining mint.

Serves 6 to 8.
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