Quick and easy to make, this crispy roasted green vegetables recipe is packed with nutrients and makes the perfect side dish for any meal.
Let’s face it: steamed or boiled vegetables can be a bit, well, boring. They’re healthy but they aren’t the most exciting part of your plate. If you’re looking for a more delicious and easy green veggie recipe plus a simple way to get more veggies into your diet, then roasting your greens is the answer.
What does Roasting do to Vegetables?
Roasting transforms ordinary vegetables into something truly special. The high heat sort of caramelizes the natural sugars found in veggies, creating a sweet and savoury flavour that’s hard to resist. Roasting makes them tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Plus, roasting helps to preserve nutrients, so you’re getting the most out of your veggies.
The Art of Roasting
Roasting vegetables is surprisingly simple. Here’s a basic guide to get you started:
- Choose your veggies: Opt for hearty vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. However, in this recipe, I have opted for just a selection of mixed green vegetables which are incredibly versatile to add to your meals.
- Prep your veggies: Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Toss with oil and seasonings: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. But you can also add your favourite herbs, pastes and spices to pair with the other flavours in your meals.
What you will need to make roasted green Vegetables
Cabbage
- Any variety but I think Savoy cabbage roasts very well
- Rich in vitamin C and fibre
Brussel Sprouts
- Part of the Brassica family and essentially look like mini cabbages
- They are high in many nutrients, especially fibre, and vitamins K and C.
Broccoli
- This has got to be one of my all-time favourites and it is rare for us to have a meal without broccoli making an appearance!
- A vegetable powerhouse and is a rich source of multiple vitamins, minerals and fibre
Courgette
- Contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds
- Great source of vitamin A
Leeks
Have a sweet mild flavour and are wonderful when roasted
Another good source of vitamins A & K
Frozen Peas
A good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants
Olive oil
Rich in healthy monounsaturated fat and loaded with antioxidants
Equipment Needed
Chopping board
Sharp Kitchen Knife
Large baking sheet or tray
The best way to roast green vegetables
This is such an easy recipe as all you have to do is prepare and chop your vegetables, spread them on a baking sheet and let the oven work its magic. Follow the tips above to ensure the perfect roasted veggies every time.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare your vegetables: Wash and dry your chosen green vegetables. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Toss with oil and seasonings: Place the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Add any additional herbs or spices you like. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread on a baking sheet: Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. If you have a lot of vegetables, you may need to use two roasting trays.
Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and golden brown. Stir halfway through cooking for even browning.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Flavour Boosters for green vegetable recipes
To take your roasted vegetables to the next level or as a way to compliment the other flavours in your meals, experiment with different seasonings and flavour combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Mediterranean – Toss with garlic, lemon zest, and dried oregano for a classic Mediterranean flavour.
- Spicy – Add a pinch of chilli powder, fresh chillies or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Sweet and savoury – Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a tangy sweetness.
- Asian – Add a couple of dollops of miso paste mixed with some soy sauce
- Indian – Add some curry paste or powder for a healthy addition to your Indian meals
- Italian – Add a couple of dollops of Pesto and mix to ensure all the vegetables are coated before cooking
Serving suggestions for this Veggie Side
Roasted vegetables are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, a main course, added to your savoury breakfasts or even as a topping for salads and grain bowls. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Serve with grilled chicken, veggie or turkey sausages or salmon with some potatoes or sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
- Add to a bed of mixed greens for a hearty and satisfying salad. Dress with a simple mustard vinaigrette, it’s delicious!
- Toss with cooked quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious and flavorful bowl.
- Add to scrambled eggs or omelettes for a veggie-packed start to your day.
Roasting is a fantastic way to enjoy more vegetables and add variety to your meals. With a little experimentation, you’ll discover countless flavour combinations to add to most meals!
Looking for more delicious GREEN vegetable sides? Then try these recipes:
ROASTED GREEN BEANS AND TOMATOES
OVEN ROASTED TENDERSTEAM BROCCOLI
CREAMY CABBAGE AND WHITE BEANS
Diabetes Note
Roasted green vegetables are a fantastic addition to a diabetes-friendly diet. Packed with fibre, low GI and low in carbohydrates, they help regulate blood sugar levels while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Plus there is no carb counting so enjoy as much as you like!
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