Roasted Root Vegetables

[TotallyOz]

My sister sent this to me. I have fallen in love with this meal. It tastes great and is great for you. Give it a try if you have time.

Root vegetables (with the exception of potatoes and carrots) are some of the most overlooked and under-appreciated foodstuffs around. But these nutritional storehouses are hidden treasures worthy of your notice. Not only are they available in winter when other vegetables are hard to find, they are also very inexpensive. Experiment with turnips, rutabagas, beets and parsnips, and learn what they have to offer in taste and versatility. Rutabaga (also known as swede) is an accidental vegetable - the result of a chance hybridization of turnips and cabbage. Like carrots, they're low in sodium and high in vitamin C. The flavor of all root vegetables will be enhanced by selecting fresh, firm produce (preferably organically grown) and storing it carefully. Turnips and potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark place out of the refrigerator. The rest of these roots will keep well in the refrigerator for at least a week.

Ingredients

2 pounds root vegetables (use potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, beets), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 medium onion, peeled and cut into 1/3-inch wedges

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Salt to taste

1 head garlic, separated into cloves and peeled

Chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place the root vegetables and onion in a roasting pan.

2. Toss the vegetables with the olive oil and salt to taste. Do not crowd the vegetables.

3. Roast the mixture for a total of 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, scatter the garlic cloves in with the vegetables. Continue stirring every 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and evenly browned.

4. Before serving, add a sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs or balsamic vinegar, if you like for additional flavor.

Serves 6

Nutrients Per Serving

Calories: 108.5

Protein: 2.7 grams

Fat: 2.5 grams

Saturated Fat: 0.4 grams

Monounsat Fat: 1.7 grams

Polyunsat Fat: 0.3 grams

Carbohydrate: 20.1 grams

Fiber: 4.1 grams

Cholesterol: 0.0 mg

Vitamin A: 10,866. IU

Vitamin E: 0.7 mg/IU

Vitamin C: 24.6 mg

Calcium: 47.4 mg

Magnesium: 33.7 mg

[Guest hitoallusa]

That sounds so good. When can I come over to try it?

[wayout]

That does sound tastey/delicious...and fairly easy to make (even for me). Recently started using balsamic vinegar on some of the dishes I've prepared and have enjoyed it. I may even give this a try over the upcoming holiday weekend, perhaps with some grilled chicken. Thanks for the recipe

[caeron]

I do this. I find that a bit of sage and thyme work well too, though it's a matter of taste.