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Roasted Root Vegetables

3.8

(1)

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Photo by Hannah Kaminsky

Maple syrup and warm, fall spices add a touch of sweetness to easy roasted veggies.

Note

Peeling raw beets is challenging. Partially cooking them, either in a saucepan with just enough water to cover or in the microwave (about 2 minutes per raw beet), really helps. Cook just until you can poke through about a quarter inch into the beet with a knife. Let the beets cool to room temperature (if you need to expedite this, plunge them into a bowl of ice water). To minimize the mess when cutting, peel the beets over the trash or compost container, then slice or chop them on a cutting board covered with wax paper.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4–6

Ingredients

1 large sweet potato, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, and sliced
2 medium beets (red or golden), peeled and cut into bite-size chunks (see Note)
3 to 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices, or about 1 cup baby carrots
2 to 3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 large or 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, or agave nectar
Pinch each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg
Fresh rosemary leaves to taste (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°F.

    Step 2

    Combine all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

    Step 3

    Drizzle in the oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir together.

    Step 4

    Transfer the mixture to a lightly oiled large roasting pan (lined with parchment if you like). Bake for 30 minutes, more or less, stirring every 10 minutes or so. The vegetables should be tender on the inside and touched with golden brown on the outside.

    Step 5

    Toward the end of the cooking time, sprinkle on some fresh rosemary leaves, if desired. Season with salt and pepper; then transfer to a covered serving container. Serve immediately or keep warm until mealtime.

  2. Variations:

    Step 6

    Though they break the root veggie theme, brussels sprouts and/or thinly sliced red onions are terrific additions, lending a nice contrasting flavor and color.

    Step 7

    Stir in ribbons of collards or lacinato kale about 10 minutes before the vegetables are done.

    Step 8

    Experiment with other root veggies, including ordinary white or yellow potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, Chioggia beets, rutabagas, and daiko.

Nutrition Per Serving

Per Serving: Calories: 196; Total fat: 4g; Protein: 3g; Carbohydrates: 40g; Fiber: 8g; Sodium: 133mg
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From Plant Power © 2014 by Nava Atlas. Reprinted with permission by HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Buy the full book from HarperCollins or from Amazon.

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