One of the highlights of the Christmas lunch with John’s dad’s dining companions at the aged care home was my carrots with red grapes, honey and pomegranate. We ate family style because all they get are plates served to them and I wanted them to take whatever they wanted and as often as they wanted.
The carrots were passed around and everyone looked in the bowl and politely took a small spoonful. In about 5 minutes, the carrots went around again and 10 minutes later they went around again until there were none in the bowl. They might be elderly but they know what they like and they liked these carrots.
I love grapes and when I was asked to create a recipe using Flame or Crimson seedless red grapes by Australian Grapes I knew right away what I was going to make. Testing out the dish on the oldies was just for confirmation that I was on to a good thing.
In addition to tasting as close to candy as you can get, grapes are really good for us. Did you know that among other wonderful properties, grapes:
- Help to boost the immune system and prevent fatigue.
- Help to maintain lower cholesterol levels.
- Have a wealth of antioxidants which may prevent cancer.
- Are a wonderful source of micronutrients important in formation and strength of our bones.
- Increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood which prevents blood clots, reducing the likelihood of heart attack.
- Are effective in fighting constipation.
- Are high in Vitamin C and magnesium.
Many people eat grapes as a snack and I’ve had a few this week straight from the freezer and I think they’re better than a popsicle. I wanted to create a savoury recipe to show how versatile red seedless grapes can be. Make this carrot side dish and once the family stops looking at you as if you’re nuts, they’ll love it!
- 6 carrots, peeled and cut into diagonal slices
- 1 bunch red seedless grapes (I used Flame, seedless red grapes) sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Seeds of ¼ pomegranate and chopped parsley for garnish
- Cook carrots in boiling salted water until they are tender. Drain.
- Add butter, grapes and honey and stir to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and pomegranate
Thanks to Australian Grapes for sponsoring this post. For more inspiring recipes using Australian Grapes, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.
I can understand why these were a hit! What a great idea for a salad – completely different to any way I’ve had carrots, but I know I’d like it.
I’m really into carrots right now. I believe they will give me superhuman strength. I also believe this would be a nice way to eat more carrots, thus giving me even more superhuman strengths.
I can easily leap tall buildings after that bowl of carrots.
I love how you added grapes to this dish, very clever and unusual combination, I would fight for the last bit of this platter!
(hope all is going well, Maureen)
Such a beautiful dish and an inspired combination of ingredients! is there anything more fun than serving a dish that makes your guests suspicious and then watching it disappear? I think that it is testament to your magic and gracious hosting abilities that you took time to consider family style service. I’m sure they loved every last detail of that wonderful day. I really love your frozen red grape suggestion. I plan to file that away for the hot months ahead! Happy New Year!
Oh, so pretty – Maureen – as soon as I saw this salad I thought of QLD:) A burst of sunshine!
Inspired. A very pretty and delicious way to serve vegetables. I can see this on my Thanksgiving table next year. However, I will not wait that long to make and eat this luscious side.
The elderly are like the rest of us – a delicious dish will always be scarfed down. 🙂
I would never think of this, but after reading the post I can see how grapes and carrots would go great together. Anything that tastes like candy, but is good for you, is a winner in my book. I need to get some grapes!
That’s great that you let the oldies help themselves to whatever they wanted. It just sounds like that lunch you prepared for them went over very, very well. I have a feeling they’ll be looking for more invites! I have never tried grapes with carrots although I have had grapes in salads. This looks so beautiful and fresh and colourful. I’m going to try this. So good that grapes are now in season and yes, when they’re frozen they’re better than a popsicle xx
I love the fruit and veggie combo. It looks beautiful and festive. I know you won’t be checking your blog, but just want to say I am thinking of you and sending healing thoughts and prayers to John.
Oh it looks so pretty Maureen! Gorgeous…
I love grapes in a savoury context too.
They marry beautifully with poultry, & particularly well with veal & pork (in sauces.)
Also, here’s a tried & true, golden oldie… frozen grapes are an awesome balm for teething babies (& such a relief for their mummies :))
A beautiful dish, Maureen… truly lovely.
I love grapes. This is a really original idea and I bet it’s wonderful. GG
not unique to me. a million years ago when I was in my 20s an elderly friend of mine made this.. no honey and no pomegranate but carrots and grapes and I’ve loved it ever since.
Savoury AND sweet? Perfect!
Love the flavors in this, Maureen. We eat a lot of grapes in our house, but I hadn’t considered tossing them in to a dish like this. Definitely worth a go…
What a fun side dish idea, and a fun flavor combo! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I am happy to be back to blog love finally, so behind on blogs. I hope John is doing okay, sending lots of positive thoughts his way. Happy New Year! Hugs, Terra
Look delicious!!
Maureen, this is my idea of the perfect winter salad, with some of my favorite vegetables and fruits- every bite looks incredible delicious!
I think carrots are finally getting their due! These look fabulous and healthy and colorful and let’s just say that the olds still know what they are doing-at least when it comes to food!
I have just learnt a lot about grapes I did not know before, I only know they are delicious. This is a great salad nd I love how they kept passing the bowl around until all of the carrots had gone. Brilliant 😀
I love this side dish, and so festive for the holidays!
Wow it sounds like they were really popular. Family style serving suits me better because often you’re given just too much! I get that it needs to happen in a restaurant with courses but at home, family style works for us 🙂
Gorgeous dish! It’s so creative!
What a lovely idea, adding pomegranate and grapes to the trad buttered carrots. Beautiful colours! I must make this next time. I should eat more grapes (wine, I suppose, doesn’t really count, does it?) now that you’ve told us all the healthy benefits. Wishing you a colourful, healthy and delicious 2015, Maureen.
We have so many carrots left over from the garden, so this is a perfect way to enjoy them!
I have a bag of grapes that I bought during the weekend. I cannot think of a better way of using them now..I know my family will love this dish. Buttered carrots sound like music to my ears:-)
Maureen, what a lovely creation! I would not have thought about adding grapes in a carrot dish like this one, but I can totally see how brilliant!
Happy 2015 Maureen! I can certainly see why this bowl of carrots were passed around the table several times. What a tasty recipe! Love the final touch with the pomegranate seeds.
Such a pretty dish Maureen, it’s no wonder the olds loved them. I would eat this as a salad with a bit of goats cheese and some toasted pine nuts.
Glad to hear the John was well looked after and he is recovering. Thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way.
gorgeous idea – I’ve never thought of putting grapes with carrots, but it sounds lovely. I like to freeze them & put them in my wine to chill it without diluting it.
Very innovative Maureen. It looks and sounds great.
The addition of the grapes and pomegranate is sooo unique in this dish! I love it!
I am completely sold I love grapes and eat them any way I can! No wonder everyone returned for seconds and thirds!
I bet those oldies are still talking about that meal. i much prefer family style eating its casual and you can eat whatever you want.
Maureen, you do make me giggle. 🙂 I love that you let the oldies help themselves to whatever they wanted and to as much as they wanted. I couldn’t imagine living without easy access to unlimited food. Although, that does make me sound like I have a food addiction. Hmmm! Sounds like lunch went down a treat. I haven’t tried this glorious sounding combo but it looks delicious and happy. Need this in my belly too it seems. 🙂
This seems like a very healthy and tasty snack.
Love your recipe Maureen, it’s just what I need after Christmas food !
Oh gosh, you totally had me giggling at the thought of these carrots being passed around and around until the plate was empty!! I never thought to put grapes with it but I can totally see how it works. Love this, thanks Maureen!!
Hmm, interesting! At first I thought “oh no no nooo” but then as I kept looking at the picture and thinking about it, I believe you when you say it was good! I’d eat it 🙂