Light, fresh recipes are what we love in the springtime and this Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint recipe is no exception. The added benefit is it has almost no prep required, only a few ingredients and cooks in a flash leaving perfect consistency carrots.
With Spring officially having arrived (on the calendar at least) a light, fresh side dish seemed a good recipe to share. Easter menu planning will be here in the blink of an eye too making Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint a fantastic choice. When you see how easy and fast it is to make, I think you’ll agree.
Cooking carrots in my experience is a total Goldilocks endeavor. They always seem to turn out too soft (read: mushy) or still so crisp that their full cooked flavor does not shine through. I’m a person who prefers them cooked just past the point of being crunchy so they still have a sturdy constitution without being hard.
I have a very traumatic memory of the first time attempting to cook carrots. I had invited over some co-workers for dinner and wanted to whip up an impressive meal. I completely bit off more than I could chew.
I picked 4 or 5 recipes I think, all from an impressive cookbook. I did not have much experience planning the timing of multiple recipes at once and despite my best efforts, the carrots, which were to be boiled initially, took for-e.v.e.r. Like hours it seemed. At one point the co-workers were in the kitchen, with sleeves rolled up, at the stove trying to help but those darn carrots were never going to cook properly. Finally they were scrapped.
Regular readers will know that I have a hit list I’m whittling through for my new’ish Instant Pot. I made a beautiful Cuban Beef Stew, a nourishing comforting Hearty Chicken Soup. I’ve broken the code on Making perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. Most recently I mastered the most creamy, dreamy Instant Pot Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Green Chilies (truly the best comfort food in my book).
It seemed time to test the ‘IP’ on cooking carrots. I felt convinced if there was a possibility of getting carrots right, the Instant Pot may be the ticket. As predicted, it did not disappoint.
The Instant Pot baby carrots with mint are cooked for 2 minute on high pressure when sautéed briefly with butter and fresh mint still in the Instant Pot. The carrots turn out ‘just right’; not too soft, though fully cooked. We had a full family taste test and assessment with everyone (a group very picky about their cooked carrots I’ll add) giving a thumbs up.
No Instant Pot? If you like using a spiralizer this Colorful Roasted Spiralized Carrots with Mint and Dill is delicious too!
Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16 ounces) package Baby Carrots
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Mint Leaves (plus extra as garnish if desired)
- Sea Salt
- 6 qt Instant Pot
Instructions
- Combine the carrots and water in the Instant Pot insert. Seal the lid, set the pressure vent on SEALING and select MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE for 2 minutes.
- When the time is complete, QUICK RELEASE the pressure, and pour the carrots into a strainer to drain. Wipe out the insert, return it to the Instant Pot and select SAUTE. Add the butter and stir while it melts. Add the mint and sauté for about 30 seconds to release the flavor and aroma of the mint.
- Add the carrots back into the insert, sauté to coat, remove, sprinkle lightly with sea salt and serve immediately.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That sounds so good! I’ve never tried a carrot side like this before, but I can’t wait to give it a go. I’m sure it’s super tasty.
robin Rue says
I love using my new instant pot. I will have to try tis.
Colleen Lanin says
Those sound so good! I can see pairing these with almost any sort of protein. I’ll have to bust out my Instant Pot and give it a shot.
Bill Sweeney says
My wife has an Instant Pot, and she uses that thing for EVERYTHING. I’ll have to show her this recipe.
Toni Dash says
I swear this is the only way I’ll ever make carrots again. They come out perfectly and with no time or effort. Great for a holiday meal because they don’t need the stove top or oven space too. That’s the end of my Infomercial Bill LOL.
Jeanette says
OHHH I LOVE this idea! I wish this was around when my kiddo was young! I would be a baby food making machine! I am going to tell my Sister in law about this!
Jen Rattie says
I can’t wait to make this! I cook carrots all the time for a side, but they’re starting to get boring.
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I love carrots, but they do take forever to cook. I’m glad to hear that the Instant Pot cut the time dramatically.
Toni Dash says
Thank you Heather for saying that about the cooking time. In the situation I shared I really could not imagine it would take that long! Also I find in the past when I’ve boiled them by the time they are ‘done’ they no longer have much flavor. Who knew they could be so tricky?!
Michelle Waller says
I never thought about combining mint with carrots. That sounds pretty interesting. I need to give it a try.
Liz Mays says
I think we have the same preferences when it comes to cooked carrots. I should try them like this. That instant pot is really going to be handy.
Marcie W. says
Baby carrots are one of my favorite vegetable sides, but roasting them can be a pain. I need to look into getting an Instant Pot!
Maureen says
Sounds like a nutritious recipe idea to get some carrots in our system. I bet this tastes delicious, I will have to give it a try! There are so many instant pot recipes now, super awesome!
Pam says
These look so good. Carrots and mint is a really great flavor combination.
Tara says
I like my carrots the same way. I haven’t used mint with them before though. I really need to get an Instant Pot.
Claudia Krusch says
I have been really enjoying cooking with my Instant Pot. I will have to get some carrots so I can try this recipe this week.
Toni Dash says
Me too Claudia! Isn’t it fun? I love recipes like this too because I think about big meals like Easter dinner and how fantastic is will be to not have to use the stove top or oven, AND have a side dish in less than 15 minutes (with the prep and cooking time being a mere blink of the eye)!
Kathy says
These look so good. Cooked carrots are one of my favorites. I’ve never tried them in the instant pot before though. I’ll give it a try!
Sinisa says
Interesting recipe. I would pair it with lambs.
Crystal says
Two minutes? How am I not using an instant pot for every meal. The carrots sound perfect, without being too mushy.
Jeanine says
These look great! I am now convinced more than ever I need an instant pot! My kids would love these, they are huge carrot fans!
Fariha says
Yum! So simple and delicious. I make carrots all the time but sometimes they seem to take forever to cook. I love how fast these are.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
After saving about a gazillion Instant Pot recipes, I still haven’t gotten myself to buy one. I am scared of pressure cookers and probably that is what’s holding me back. I am sure your carrots turned out delicious. Saving this recipe too for that time when I take home my very own Instant Pot.
krystal says
I love mint in my drinks but I never thought about pairing it with carrots. I will have to try it since I’m mint-obsessed. I am so jealous of these Instant Pot recipes. I’m going to make the investment and learn how to use it!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
1. I love that you used your IP for this 2. LOVE the mint. So unique!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Jennifer!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I am a big fan of the instant pot style dishes!
They are so simple and easy to make.
Toni Dash says
I agree!
Shannon Gurnee says
I would love to get an instant pot at some point. I don’t like cooked carrots personally, but I bet my family would enjoy this recipe! Thanks for sharing.
Liz says
Perfect for our Easter table!! I tend to focus on dessert, so easy, yummy sides like these baby carrots belong on my menu!!
Rosey says
I’ve never had carrots with mint. I already know I’d like it though. And hurrah for the instant pot!
Cassie Tucker says
These carrots really look tasty! That Instant Pot is a real wonder. I may have to get one of my own.
Kristen Chidsey says
I LOVE my Instant Pot and these will be made in it soon! Love the addition of mint to thsese simple carrots!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Love those baby carrots! Looks tasty!
Gabriel Bregg says
That’s a combination of flavors I’ve never tried. Think we shall give it a go and submit it to the kid jury.
Julia says
I loved this recipe, I can hardly do it at home.
Anne Davies says
Instant Pot vegetables have so much more flavor than microwaved or stove top boiled. However, I use my steamer basked for beets and carrots to keep the vitamins inside the vegetable and not wash them down the drain by immersing them in water to cook. In this recipe, the buttered mint is a delicious touch