Slow Cooker Amish 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Carrot Melt

Ingredients:

2 lbs (about 1 kg) carrots, peeled and cut into uniform chunks or coins (baby carrots work perfectly)
1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness, don’t skip!)

That’s it for the core four! (Water is sometimes debated as a 5th, see note below).

Prepare: Place the peeled and cut carrots in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with the salt.
Layer: Scatter the brown sugar over the carrots. Place the pats of butter evenly on top.
Cook: DO NOT STIR. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The carrots are done when they are fork-tender and swimming in a rich, syrupy glaze.
Finish: Once cooked, you can give them a gentle stir to coat all the carrots in the glaze. For a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking on HIGH.

The “Water” Debate: Traditional Amish recipes often add 1/2 cup of water to the pot to prevent burning and create steam. Modern slow cookers vary. If yours runs hot or you’ll be gone all day, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup water is a safe bet. Without water, the glaze will be thicker and more candied.
The “Melt” Name: It comes from how the butter and sugar melt together into a luxurious sauce that the carrots slowly absorb.
Don’t Peek! Keeping the lid on is crucial for building steam and heat. Only open it near the end if you want to thicken the glaze.
Variations & Upgrades:
- Add a Pinch of Warm Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger is a lovely autumn touch.
- Make it Savory-Sweet: Add a few grinds of black pepper or a teaspoon of dried thyme with the salt.
- Crunch Topping: Sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives at the end for color and freshness.

This dish is a perfect sweet counterpoint to savory mains.

Enjoy this remarkably simple, comforting dish that truly lets the humble carrot shine!