Roasted Winter Root Veg

Winter is a perfect time for the veg you may normally “turnip” your nose at, but nothing “beets” their savory loveliness, especially when it pops right out of the oven.   

One more dose of awesome sauce about this recipe is that any root veggies can work. Sweet potatoes or plain, carrots or butternut squash, beets … you get the picture!

The same is true for the seasonings. After S&P, you can spice it up specific to your tastes. Cumin, rosemary, and thyme bring out the earthy, wonderful flavors of the root veggies.

Here’s Where The Magic Happens

The 1 ingredient that takes this from good to great to amazing is the sesame oil. Instead of using olive or vegetable or other oil, substitute in sesame oil. OMG, it’s so nutty and savory you’ll notice the difference right away, and never look back! 

You’ll Need:

1 cup each of the root veg medley of your choice (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, beets, turnips, etc), peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

What To Do

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prep the Veg:

• Peel and chop the root vegetables into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.

Season the Vegetables:

In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with the oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the vegetables are well-coated with the seasonings.

Spread on Baking Sheet:

Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper roasting.

Roast in the Oven:

Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and tender. You can toss them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the vegetables are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it by adding other favorite root vegetables or herbs. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making it a delightful and nutritious winter dish.