Roasted Vegetables

Root vegetables have taken, well, root for the time being — at least until days go back to being longer and sunnier. Since these healthy vegetables will be abound all Winter, why not get acquainted with cooking them in different ways?

Although they're delicious in lasagna, gratins, and hashes, the most straightforward preparation is to roast them (carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, potatoes, or any other related roots) and then serve them with light seasonings.

For an even more exciting assortment of flavors, experiment by offering your root vegetable medley two ways — one sweetened with an apple cider and sugar glaze, and the other made savory with the help of smoked wood chips. Decide which dish you like more when you keep on reading.

It's hard to escape the gluttonous nature of holiday celebrations, so if you have a night off from yuletide revelry, detox with a simple, home-cooked meal that counterbalances December's rich, heavy party foods.

Take advantage of spaghetti squash's seasonal peak by using it in place of high-carb pasta in a "spaghetti" dish with roasted vegetables. Slow-roast bite-size tomatoes and zucchini (or any other vegetable, if you'd like) in a mixture of garlic, high-quality olive oil, and seasonings. You'll find yourself looking forward to a comforting meal that, on top of being delicate, is low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegetarian.

To make it vegan, simply skip the parmesan cheese. Want the recipe? Then read on.

Since vegetables are the new meat, this year on Thanksgiving, why not serve an entirely meat-free meal?! The holiday can be just as delicious without the turkey. Start with an easy but luxurious appetizer: gorgonzola crostini drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chopped nuts. For the first course, offer a velvety, make-ahead pumpkin soup that's garnished with crunchy sweet potato chips and tangy sour cream.


Although there's no meat, the main course should still be a showstopper, so go all out with roasted vegetable cornucopias with homemade gravy. A tender green salad with champagne vinaigrette completes the meal. Get the recipes for this wonderful menu, after the jump.

Kale is one ingredient to warm up to this Fall; in lieu of lettuce, try serving it uncooked in a salad. To contrast the leafy, crunchy kale, toss in carrots, onions, and tomatoes that have been roasted until golden and tender. Coat gently with a garlic-olive oil emulsion and top with a medallion of goat cheese to bring creaminess and body to a flavorful meatless meal. See the recipe when you keep on reading.

If you're looking for a simple but versatile vegetarian recipe, stop your searching! This roasted vegetable wrap recipe is quick, uncomplicated, and totally adaptable.

All you do is roast some veggies, layer 'em in a wrap, fold, and voilà, dinner is done. Use whatever vegetables you prefer and if you dislike mayonnaise, skip the garlic mayo step.

For additional flavor and heft, consider adding in cheese, fresh herbs, or beans. Learn the method that you'll use over and over again after the break.

Good morning! I thought it would be fun to start the day with an amazing photo of in-season asparagus. I found this image in the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community; it was shared by Senorita. Doesn't it look absolutely wonderful? She says:

My husband and I always go to this great little Mediterranean place by our house and order this roast veggie dish drizzled with a creamy Balsamic and a little bit of feta cheese. The dish is divine, we have been trying to prefect it at our house. For attempt number two, we roasted asparagus, zucchini, eggplant, and onions at 450, a higher temp than the last time. The dressing is a little bit of yogurt, balsamic vinegar, milk, and olive oil. The dish is pretty close to the restaurant and so delicious!!!!

I love that she's trying to re-create a restaurant dish at home! Do you ever do this? Have you had a memorable preparation of asparagus recently? Please tell us about it below or in the community.

Over the weekend, when the cold, wet drizzle refused to let up, I developed an undeniable desire to load up on starchy, al dente pasta. I couldn't just ditch my resolve to eat only nutrient-rich, wholesome fare, so I came to a compromise by preparing a healthful pasta with root vegetables.

In addition to being full of protein, fiber, and more vitamins than I have room to list, this speedy recipe requires less than an hour from start to finish. The turnips, beets, and yams take advantage of the stovetop, rather than the oven, for timesaving yet tender results. Hoping to scout out a good-for-you comfort dish? You've come to the right place. Get the recipe when you read more.

Depending where you live, having access to a variety of fresh produce can be hard during the Winter months. Thank goodness that root vegetables are in abundance though. These hearty vegetables hold up perfectly in comforting cold-weather dishes like stews, soups, and curries. And while most people are very familiar with carrots and potatoes, I've always been a sucker for parsnips — the neglected star of root veggies.

Parsnips look like a carrot that completely lost its orange hue. In terms of taste, they have the delicate flavors that are usually associated with root vegetables, but I find that a parsnip is sweeter than a carrot or potato. Nutritionally, it's a starchy veggie that's low in calories and is a good source of folic acid, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain a decent amount of fiber and calcium too.

For me, cooking with parsnips is really easy because you can treat them pretty much the same way you do potatoes. I find that parsnips taste best roasted, especially when added to a Winter veggie medley because they add a nice sweetness to the dish. They also taste great diced in a stew or curry, or as a soup puree — especially when paired with cauliflower. For a little something different, add parsnips to your mashed potatoes or a gratin.

When shopping, look for medium-sized parsnips that are firm and blemish free. Raw parsnips can be stored for up to four weeks in your refrigerator. Pick some up at your local market this week! Tell me if you love the parsnip in the comments section below.