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This Maple Dijon Roasted Root Vegetables recipe brings together the natural sweetness of root vegetables with a tangy, maplemustard glaze that makes a comforting and nutritious side dish. It is perfect for cozy dinners especially when the flavors of fall and winter call for something hearty yet vibrant on the plate.
Every time I make this, the house fills with such a warm inviting aroma that my family heads to the kitchen immediately. It quickly became a favorite during chilly months when I want a wholesome but fussfree vegetable side.
Ingredients
- Carrots: 2 cups Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color choose firm carrots without dark spots
- Parsnips: 2 cups Add a nutty, slightly sweet flavor look for ones that are firm with smooth skin
- Sweet Potato: 2 cups Bring creamy texture and sweet depth select potatoes that are firm and unblemished
- Beets: 2 cups Offer earthiness and a beautiful red tone opt for firm beets free of soft spots
- Red Onion: 1 large Adds savory sharpness balance substitute with yellow onion or shallots for milder taste
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons Used for roasting vegetables choose extra virgin for best flavor
- Maple Syrup: 3 tablespoons Brings natural sweetness to glaze prefer pure maple syrup not flavored syrups
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons Brings tanginess and slight spice choose a quality Dijon for depth
- Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon Adds piney, fragrant notes use fresh for brightness dried is more concentrated
- Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon Adds subtle herbaceous aroma fresh is best but dried works if adjusted
- Salt: 1 teaspoon Essential for flavor enhancement use kosher salt for even seasoning
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon Adds mild heat freshly ground black pepper is ideal
- Chopped Parsley: 2 tablespoons Optional garnish adds freshness and a pop of green
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Though roasting is the technique here prepping begins with chopping the vegetables into uniform oneinch pieces so they cook evenly. Peel as necessary especially for carrots parsnips sweet potatoes and beets. Red onion adds savory layers once it roasts.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- Whisk olive oil maple syrup Dijon mustard fresh rosemary and thyme salt and pepper together in a small bowl. The glaze will coat the vegetables and balance sweet and tangy flavors while infusing herbal notes.
- Coat and Arrange Vegetables:
- Place chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl then pour the glaze over them. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then spread the vegetables out in a single layer to ensure proper roasting.
- Roast to Perfection:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes stirring once halfway through to encourage even browning and caramelization on all sides. Check tenderness by piercing vegetables with a fork and roast longer if needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once tender and nicely browned remove from oven and transfer to serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh aromatic finish. Serve warm alongside your main course.
I am especially fond of the maple syrup in this dish. It gives a warmth and subtle sweetness that brings all the vegetables together harmoniously. One winter evening as we enjoyed this recipe my family sat around the table sharing stories and it felt like the perfect comfort food moment.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store leftover roasted vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven to help retain texture. Avoid microwaving as it can turn them mushy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have parsnips turnips are a nice substitute offering a slightly peppery note. Butternut squash can replace sweet potatoes for a similar creamy texture. For a milder beet option use gold beets instead of red. Use honey instead of maple syrup but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken pork loin or as part of a vegetarian meal with grains like quinoa or farro. It also works well tossed over mixed greens for a warm autumn salad with nuts and goat cheese.
Serve warm and enjoy the balanced sweet and tangy flavors. Leftovers reheat well in the oven.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What vegetables work best for roasting here?
Carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, beets, and red onions provide an earthy sweetness and hold up well to roasting.
- → Can I substitute the maple syrup in the glaze?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor profile.
- → How do I know when the vegetables are done roasting?
Check tenderness by piercing the vegetables with a fork; they should be soft and caramelized but not mushy.
- → What herbs complement the glaze flavor best?
Fresh rosemary and thyme add aromatic depth and pair perfectly with the maple Dijon glaze.
- → Can these vegetables be prepared ahead of time?
You can chop and toss the vegetables with the glaze ahead, then roast just before serving to keep them fresh.