Ingredients:
Root Vegetables:
- 1-1.5 pounds of your favorite root vegetables.
- Choose from: carrots, parsnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, radishes, turnips, rutabaga, etc.
Onion (Optional): 1/2 to 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
Olive Oil: 3-4 tablespoons
Herbs:
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, sage, or a combination) OR
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs
Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Flavor Options (Choose 1):
- Balsamic Glaze: 1-2 tablespoons
- Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons
- Honey + Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Spice Blend: Your favorite spice combo (Italian seasoning, curry powder, Cajun seasoning, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash and scrub vegetables thoroughly. Peel if desired (beets, tough carrots, etc.). Trim tough ends.
Cut Vegetables:
- Cut all vegetables into bite-size pieces, roughly 1-inch chunks.
- If using beets, consider roasting them on a separate pan to avoid staining other vegetables.
Season:
- In a large bowl, combine the cut vegetables, onion (if using), olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Choose a flavor option from the list above:
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or the honey-mustard mixture.
- Add a favorite spice blend.
Roast:
- Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-35 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through. Roasting time will depend on the vegetables you select.
Check for Doneness:
- Pierce the thickest vegetables pieces with a fork to make sure they’re easily tender.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Serve immediately as a delicious and healthy side dish!
Tips:
- Cut for Success: Keep vegetable pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
- Crowding Control: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or your veggies will steam instead of roast. Use two pans if needed.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding garlic cloves or a squeeze of lemon juice in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Customization: The beauty of roasted root vegetables is that you can easily adjust based on what you have and love!
