Roasting vegetables is a great way to make them more delicious. One way to do this is by placing vegetables in a roasting pan and coating them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder and onion powder. You can add numerous other herbs and spices like smoked paprika, pepper, oregano and cajun seasoning. When roasting the vegetables, it’s important to take note of their size and thickness. For example, small thin carrots should be roasted for 10 minutes at 425F while large thick carrots should be roasted for 30 minutes at 400F.
You should cut the vegetables as close in size as possible so that everything cooks evenly. You do not have to be exact but make it as close as you can. If not the smaller pieces will cook faster before the larger pieces. You may end up with burnt pieces along side the done pieces.
Some people do this purposely because it creates crunchy textured pieces and tender pieces to add a variety to the plate. This is especially true with potatoes and sweet potatoes but can be applied to vegetables. Usually not everybody likes their veggies cooked the same way. Some people like them well done others not.
You can also add any protein you have and bake it all together in one roasting pan. Sausage is a good protein for this. You can also add leftovers like beef, chicken or pizza. Just kidding don’t add the pizza. You can place your roasted vegetables on top of your pizza. That might be very tasty.
There are many choices of roasting pans to choose from but I will get to that in a few. Best vegetables for roasting are root vegetables and other dense vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts. I would not roast leafy vegetables save those for the steamer or saute pan.
Additions to your roasting pan can be fresh garlic, onions and shallots. These can add a great texture and layer of flavor and nutrients. You can add bacon or butter to enrich the flavor as well.
Moisture content may be critical for you so cook your veggies covered and the last 30 minutes uncover them for a crispy finish or leave your roasting pan covered till done if you like your vegetables soft. You may want to add some broth to the mixture as well for added moisture and flavor.
Roasting Pans
Which roasting pan is best for you? Pans are an investment. They usually stay with you a lifetime and some of them get handed down from generation to generation. So when you buy a pan think long term investment. Don’t get caught up in price because your pans become your family’s best friend. Here are some roasting pans to consider and if you are shopping on price consider buying used. A used good quality pan is way better than a cheap brand new pan. The following are suggested roasting pans.
