How to Cook Raw Carrots in the Microwave

The quickest way to cook carrots is to microwave them. Though you can also boil or roast baby carrots, popping them in the microwave is perfect when you need a healthy snack or quick side dish.

Carrots come in many sizes and colors. Large orange carrots and baby carrots are among the most popular, but you can also microwave carrots that are yellow, purple or red. Incorporating carrots into your diet also helps you meet the required amount of daily vegetable servings.

Orange carrots get their vibrant color from beta-carotene, a pigment associated with health benefits like eye health. According to Mayo Clinic, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient. In addition to carrots, good sources of beta-carotene include cantaloupe and green leafy vegetables.

Carrots are also an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked sliced carrots contains the following nutrients:

• 55 calories
• 12.8 grams of carbohydrates
• 4.7 grams of fiber
• 1.2 grams of protein
• 148 percent daily value (DV) of vitamin A
• 18 percent DV of vitamin K
• 11 percent DV of vitamin E

Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, calcium and magnesium. They are naturally low in sugar and sodium and free of dietary cholesterol, which may be beneficial for people following programs like the DASH diet.

Read more: List of High Alkaline Vegetables

There are many ways to enjoy carrots. If you are looking for the quickest way to cook carrots, microwaving them is a quick and easy cooking method. Follow this recipe to microwave carrots.

Prep your carrots by rinsing, peeling and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. If you do not have time but prefer peeled carrots, opt for baby carrots. They are also just as nutritious as regular-sized carrots. According to Cleveland Clinic, bagged vegetables like baby carrots are nutrient-dense and full of fiber. They recommend buying bagged vegetables that are fresh, raw and cold.

When the carrots are prepped, transfer them to a microwave-safe dish or bowl. Add 1/4 cup of water, which will allow the carrots to steam. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the microwave. Cook for five to seven minutes or until tender. Stir halfway to encourage even cooking.

If desired, season your carrots with salt, pepper or fresh herbs. You can also mix them in a marinade with your favorite sauce, such as teriyaki sauce or an orange glaze.

Read more: 9 Ways to Make Root Vegetables Anything But Boring

Microwaving tends to be the quickest way to cook carrots because the prep time is short and the cook time is approximately five minutes. You should incorporate more carrots into your diet not only because they are easy to make, but also because they are full of nutrients. Plus, carrots count toward your recommended five servings of vegetables per day.

If you do not want to microwave carrots, you can cook them in other ways. Carrots are delicious whether steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted or even raw.

Other carrot recipes include:

• Carrot Cake Oatmeal
• Vegan Paleo Rainbow Carrot Poke
• Sweet and Spicy Carrot and Lentil Salad