Roasted Roots with Herbs
This is a winner for entertaining, not least because all the vegetables can be cooked together with little or no attention.
Serves 4
4 small whole carrots
4 small whole parsnips
½ swede (about 5 oz, 150 g), cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) wedges
1 small turnip, cut in half and then into ¾ inch (2 cm) slices
2 medium red onions, peeled and cut through the root into quarters
2 red potatoes, 5 oz (150 g) each, cut into 6 wedges
1 fat garlic clove, crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 level tablespoon chopped mixed herbs (including thyme, rosemary and sage)
salt and freshly milled black pepper
Pre-heat the oven to its highest setting.
You will also need a solid baking tray 16 x 12 inches (40 x 30 cm).
First scrub the carrots and parsnips, dry them well and place them in a large bowl with all the other prepared vegetables. Now add the crushed garlic, olive oil and mixed herbs; then, using your hands, mix well to make sure they all have a good coating of the oil. You can leave them like this covered with clingfilm for up to 2 hours until you are ready to cook them – in which case the oil will have nicely absorbed the flavour of the garlic and herbs.
Then arrange them on the baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and a good grinding of black pepper and cook in the pre-heated oven on a high shelf for 35-40 minutes or until they are cooked through.
This recipe is taken from Delia Smith’s Winter Collection.