Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are a colorful, healthy, and delicious side dish for oven roast beef, pork chops, baked chicken or any weeknight meal. Now, I have to admit that parsnips have not been a regular part of my diet over the years, but after doing a little research and experimenting, I have found that parsnips have a wonderful earthy flavor and best of all, have great health benefits. Vegetables are the part of the meal that add color, texture, and tons of vibrant flavor. Although they may get a bad rap, deliciously prepared sides like brussels sprouts, green beans, sweet potatoes and oven roasted veggies are all tasty options and pair well with just about any main dish. You can’t beat great side dishes that roast up easily on a sheet pan in the oven.

Ingredients in Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

I love roasting vegetables as an easy side dish for busy weeknights. Roasting brings out the natural sweet flavors of vegetables and keeps them firm, not soggy. Here’s what you need for this recipe:

Parsnips – four large to medium parsnips for this recipe. They’re easy to find in the grocery store produce section. They have a natural sweetness that really comes out when they’re roasted. Cut into even slices and arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Carrots – four large to medium carrots, chopped. You can use whole baby carrots too. Extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Fresh rosemary (or dried) Kosher salt – a little goes a long way so you can control the sodium in this dish by sprinkling as much or as little as you like. Fresh thyme (or dried) – one tsp or so to taste.

Mix It Up

Try some of these other flavors when roasting your carrots and parsnips. They come together quickly and leftovers can be used in salads, stew or other soups, on sandwiches, tossed together with roast chicken, salmon, etc.

Dry ranch mix Dry mustard Cumin Onion powder Garlic powder Black Pepper Maple syrup Hot honey glaze – heat a bit of honey in a small bowl and drizzle a tbsp or so over the vegetables before roasting. Fresh parsley Sprinkle lemon zest onto the veggies. Other fresh herbs and spices

Health Benefits of Parsnips

Parsnips are root vegetables similar to carrots, but they are sweeter and juicier. They are high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, and are rich in many B-complex vitamins. Also, parsnips contain the minerals iron, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese and phosphorus. Similarly, carrots are an excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium and antioxidants. Put it all together, and you are serving something you can feel good about!

Best Cooking Oil for Roasting Vegetables

When roasting vegetables, it is important to use the right kind of oil. Cooking oils have a “smoke point.” When oil reaches its smoke point, it begins to emit smoke, changes to a bitter flavor and smell, and changes color. Because these vegetables roast at a high temperature, it is best to use an oil that can tolerate high temperatures. These oils include peanut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, safflower oil, and soybean oil.

More Carrot Recipes

More Roasted Vegetable Side Dish Ideas

Veggies don’t have to be boring! From honey-roasted carrots to savory brussels sprouts, you must try cooking your vegetables with these recipes. Everyone will love them!