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Carottes Vichy
Carottes Vichy: carrots simmered in water with butter and sugar until glazed, named after the spa town
Carottes Vichy come from the spa town of Vichy in the Auvergne, where they were cooked in the local mineral water; today they are the classic French bistro and Sunday-lunch side, loved by children. Thin rounds of carrot simmer with butter, a little sugar and salt in just enough water, so that when the carrots are tender the water has boiled down to a shiny glaze. Serve with roast chicken, an omelette or lentils. The usual mistake is using too much water, so you must drain away the flavour; it should just cover the carrots. Chef's tip: a pinch of bicarbonate of soda in the water copies Vichy's alkaline water and helps the carrots turn sweet and bright.
- Total time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ lb carrotspeeled, sliced into 3 mm rounds
- 1 oz butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 pinch bicarbonate of soda (optional)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsleyfinely chopped
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Method
0/4 doneStep 1: Put 1 ⅓ lb carrots, 1 oz butter, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, 1 pinch bicarbonate of soda if using, and 1 cup water in a wide pan; the water should just cover the carrots.
2 minStep 2: Bring to the boil, cover with a lid set ajar and simmer over a medium heat for 12 minutes, until the carrots are almost tender.
12 minStep 3: Uncover and boil for 5–6 minutes, shaking the pan, until the water has gone and the carrots are tender and coated in a shiny glaze. Watch closely at the end so they don't catch.
6 minStep 4: Toss with 1 tbsp flat-leaf parsley and serve.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 110 kcal
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbs
- 12 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does carottes Vichy take?
- About 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of carrots?
- Parsnip or sweet potato, same weight.
- What can I use instead of butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
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