Roasted Roots with Thyme (Printer-friendly)
A medley of root vegetables roasted with thyme and garlic for a flavorful, natural side dish.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Root Vegetables
01 - 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
02 - 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
03 - 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
04 - 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
→ Seasonings
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
08 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
09 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven temperature to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Place carrots, parsnips, beets, and sweet potato into a large mixing bowl.
03 - Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, add thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and smashed garlic. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until vegetables are golden brown and tender.
06 - Remove from oven and discard the garlic cloves if preferred. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional thyme.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The vegetables caramelize into something naturally sweet and complex without a trace of fuss.
- It's genuinely vegan and gluten-free, but nobody eating it will feel like they're missing anything.
- Forty minutes of mostly hands-off cooking means you can focus on whatever else needs doing.
02 -
- Cutting all vegetables the same size is the difference between a finished dish and a scattered array of overcooked and undercooked pieces.
- Don't skip turning them halfway—the flip is what creates those caramelized edges everyone remembers.
03 -
- Don't crowd the pan—give vegetables space and a hot oven so they roast, not braise in their own steam.
- Use smashed garlic cloves rather than minced; they become sweet and mellow instead of staying sharp and aggressive.