Description
Roasted Veggies with Herby Green Sauce
Ingredients
For the Roasted Veggies:
2 cups cauliflower florets
2 cups carrot slices
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Herby Green Sauce:
1 cup fresh parsley or cilantro
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Prep the Veggies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower and carrots in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roast: Spread veggies evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
Make the Sauce: Blend all the sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble: Drizzle the herby green sauce over the roasted veggies. Garnish with extra herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120 kcal per serving
#HealthyEating #RoastedVeggies #QuickRecipes #PlantBased #Foodie
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting. While it heats, cut your cauliflower into uniform florets and slice carrots into even pieces for consistent cooking. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove the sheet and carefully flip the veggies with a spatula. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until they are caramelized and fork-tender. While they roast, combine all sauce ingredients in a blender and process until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it as a vibrant, warm side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a hearty vegetarian meal, spoon the roasted veggies and sauce over a bed of quinoa or couscous. You can also use the herby green sauce as a flavorful dip for pita bread or spread it on sandwiches and wraps. To elevate a grain bowl, add these veggies with chickpeas and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
How-to Summary
In short: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss chopped cauliflower and carrots with oil and spices. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Blend parsley, yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the sauce. Drizzle sauce over roasted veggies and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes. Roast the veggies and store them separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the veggies in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
What are good substitutes for Greek yogurt in the sauce? For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened vegan yogurt, avocado, or tahini to achieve a creamy consistency.
Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and red onions all roast well. Adjust cooking times based on vegetable density.
Why are my roasted veggies soggy? Sogginess is usually caused by overcrowding the pan, which steams the vegetables. Always use two sheets if necessary to ensure a single layer.
How can I store leftover green sauce? Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often intensify, making it even more delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip preheating the oven, as a hot start is crucial for caramelization. Neglecting to cut vegetables into even sizes leads to uneven cooking. Overcrowding the baking sheet is the most common error; it prevents proper browning and creates steam. When making the sauce, ensure your herbs are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent a watery consistency. Finally, do not over-blend the sauce, as it can become too thin.
Conclusion
This Roasted Veggies with Herby Green Sauce recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. It demonstrates how a few whole ingredients, treated with care, can transform into a nutritious and satisfying dish. The crispy, spiced vegetables paired with the bright, creamy sauce create a perfect balance. It’s a foundational recipe that invites customization and is sure to become a reliable favorite in your healthy cooking repertoire.