1.05.2009

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Did You Know? According to a 2002 survey, Brussels sprouts are the most hated vegetable in Britain.

I started this post with the intention of making a roasted Brussels sprouts and carrot dish, but I has so much varying produce on hand, I just had to throw in the lot. I serve sprouts and carrots at almost every holiday meal, with the goal of converting family members into Brussels lovers. So far so good. I don't know what it is, the name perhaps? Maybe cartoons of our youth highlighted the fear of this unknown vegetable. Whatever it is, that awful perception needs to change.

Roasting makes everything so much better, so why would Brussels sprouts be any different? I highly recommend starting a skeptic with a roasted version before any other cooking method you may want to try. The caramelization process brings out their inner sweetness, and when paired with already sweet carrots, your fearful diners are sure to hop on board. The crisp, golden-brown crust, and the tender inside have become my new favorite texture combination, and I'm pretty sure I've made these every week since Thanksgiving.


Roasted Winter Vegetables

Eggplant and cremini's are what I had in the fridge, so I tossed those into the mix as well (the asparagus was hidden in the back of my fridge, but I wish I had thrown that in too). Feel free to use whatever vegetables you tend to buy or just love the flavors of. I'm positive any combination would work perfectly. Just don't forget the Brussels sprouts, because wasn't that the idea of this whole post anyways? If not for the low calories, do it for the ample amounts of Vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene.

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Roasted Winter Vegetables
30 Brussels Sprouts, outer leaves removed, stems trimmed, and halved
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered
2 medium eggplants, chopped into 1- or 2-inch chunks
Olive Oil
Herbes de Provence
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Arrange vegetables on a couple of baking sheets and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper, and toss to distribute the flavors.

Bake for about 30 minutes (depending on how tender you like your veggies - I don't like them too soft), tossing halfway through.

Roasted Winter Vegetables

I made this dish the other afternoon right around lunch, so I added them to a nice salad. Baby spinach, the roasted veggies, steamed broccoli I had in the fridge, chickpeas, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed with a sesame ginger dressing - so good. I'm going to add them to some pasta tonight for a light primavera, any other ideas?


23 comments:

  1. I should roast a pan of veggies like this once a week--why do I always forget what a good idea it is? So versatile...toss with pasta, purée with beans into a spread, mix with eggs for an omelette...and btw I LOVE brussel sprouts!

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  2. That dish/recipe SCREEEEAMS comfort food to me!! Love it :-)

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  3. Agreed - brussels sprouts must be roasted. There is not better way!

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  4. the brown/caramel color makes it all that much tastier to eat....love this and I need to make more of this. veggies are good, when they are done like this

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  5. How funny: my sister made roasted vegetables last night for dinner: mushrooms, zucchini, red onions, carrots and a few garlic cloves.

    Love brussel sprouts. My mom used to make a soup from them when I was a little girl.

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  6. I only had steamed Brussels spouts once and I thought they were pretty good. I need to try them in something else, this sounds like the perfect side dish for all the leftovers I've got!

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  7. That does look delicious-I would overlook my aversion to brussel sprouts to try them in this dish. I think they would definitely taste better with some caramelisation! :)

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  8. This is a gorrrregous dish!! I did roasted carrots and parsnips last week, but I may have to add brussels sprouts too. I have been reluctant to try them again since I hated them so much when I was young, but so many people are on the bandwagon, I may have to hop on too!

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  9. those veggies look sooo yummy! i love roasted brussel sprouts! thanks for stopping by my site and for the sweet comment...hope you got to make some caramel corn of your own! happy new year! :)

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  10. I've never had brussel sprouts before. I actually asked my mom to cook them, but she immediately said that they taste gross and I wouldn't like them.. I guess she's part of the group that's not too into brussel sprouts!

    Your dish looks so yummy though, I can't see how people wouldn't like brussel sprouts now!

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  11. I love brussel sprouts! I've actually never tried them roasted though (i know i've been extremely remiss!) but the way you just described it all caremilsed is making my mouth water- must try roasted brussel sprouts A.S.A.P!

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  12. Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables! Roasting vegetables my favorite way to cook them. It adds so much flavour.

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  13. I actually love Brussels Sprouts! We have some in the fridge and this looks delish, Just might have to make it!

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  14. I introduced my family to brussels sprouts this holiday season also! while my dish was not quite as exciting as yours- the brussels sprouts were a hit with my mom, so one out of three converts isn't bad. Maybe next time I should try something like this . . .

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  15. Not a big fan of brussels sprouts, I only have them occasionally during winter since my fiance likes them. I love the flavours of roasted veg! Yours looks great!

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  16. these look great! i love roasted veggies! i've been known to make a whole pint of of roasted cherry tomatoes as a snack! your salad looks amazing...roasted veggies are also very good in a hummus wrap :)

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  17. Maybe halving the brussel sprouts makes them taste better... The way you cut veggies has such an impact on their flavour. My mom used to serve them whole, and steamed. And flavourless. Can't wait to try them this way!

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  18. I love brussels sprouts! Love the colors of all the veggies together in this recipe!

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  19. Hi just called in from Lucillian delights blog..not many Brussel sprout haters on here...all our family love them, even the children:-)

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  20. I've been grilling b sprouts in my mixed veggies for a few weeks now - fabulous - a sorta onion taste while keeping it's body. Will have to try some mushrooms.

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  21. Those veggies look soo good. I think you've inspired me to make some roasted veggies this week!

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  22. Haley, your pictures are gorgeous! Way to make roasted vegetables so appealing.

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  23. These sound great! I love brussel sprouts; I don't know why they have such a bad rap! I definitely think they're underrated.

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