VEGETARIAN RECIPE – NORTH AMERICA
Canadian Maple-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
Introduction: Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Canada with this delectable recipe for Canadian Maple-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables. Root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, are roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and earthy notes. A drizzle of pure Canadian maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and a distinct depth of flavor. This dish is a wonderful blend of sweet and savory, embodying the essence of Canadian cuisine.
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm, and vibrant root vegetables for the best results.
- Ensure uniform vegetable cuts to ensure even cooking.
- Preheating the baking sheet or roasting pan helps achieve a crispy exterior on the vegetables.
- Use real, high-quality Canadian maple syrup for an authentic and rich flavor.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like turnips, rutabagas, or beets to create a colorful and diverse medley.
Cooking Time: Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking: 40 minutes Total: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking sheet or roasting pan in the oven as it preheats.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and cut the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes into uniform sticks or cubes, about 2 inches in size.
3. Toss with Olive Oil: In a large bowl, toss the prepared vegetables with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Roast the Vegetables: Carefully remove the preheated baking sheet or roasting pan from the oven. Spread the vegetables evenly on the hot surface. This helps achieve a crispy exterior on the vegetables. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring once halfway through for even cooking.
5. Prepare the Glaze: While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted butter, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix well to create the glaze.
6. Glaze the Roasted Vegetables: Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the maple syrup glaze over the roasted vegetables and gently toss to coat them evenly.
7. Final Roasting: Return the glazed vegetables to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized slightly and formed a beautiful, sticky coating.
8. Serve: Remove the roasted root vegetables from the oven. Transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a delightful side dish that captures the essence of Canadian flavors.
Enjoy the sweet and savory symphony of flavors in this Canadian Maple-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables dish. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday feasts, or whenever you’re craving a taste of Canada’s culinary traditions.
