Caramelized Roasted Vegetables

Sometimes I get in this mood where I just don’t want to cook much for dinner especially if it is just me that I am cooking for. I don’t want to cook a whole meal for dinner so I typically make something easy that I can whip up in a short amount of time that will fill me up. That is where these delicious roasted veggies come in.

There is nothing wrong with a big ol plate of roasted veggies for dinner. Not only are these yummy veggies good for a simple dinner or lunch, but they are also perfect for any night-of-the-week side dish. I also love making these veggies for our holiday table because they are delicious and are so pretty on the table. They are so easy and so good.

Let me share with you how I make them.

INGREDIENTS:

4 Carrots – halved lengthwise
3 Celery – quartered
2 Potatoes – 2-inch cubes
1 Red Or Yellow Onion – quartered
1/4 C. Brown sugar
Salt and pepper – to taste
Olive oil – about 2 tbsp or so
1 Tsp. Paprika
1 Tsp. Thyme
1 Tsp. Natures seasoning ( or any other all-purpose seasoning you like)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400*. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
2. Add the veggies to the sheet tray making sure to keep each veggie separate from the other.
3. Drizzle the veggies with oil and then season with brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and natures seasoning.
4. Mix each veggie making sure to keep them separated from the others. Spread out slightly and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove and toss so they cook evenly. Remove any veggie that is tender and place on a serving platter.
6. Place back into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove and toss. Remove any veggie that is tender and cooked through. If the potatoes are not completely cooked through and tender you can place them back into the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Place all of the veggies back onto the sheet tray, adjust the seasoning, and toss the veggies all together. Place on a serving platter and sprinkle over some chopped parsley on top. Serve.
   

• You can omit the brown sugar if you would like but I find that it adds that extra sweetness and helps the veggies to caramelize.
• Want a little more smokiness to the veggies? add some smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Want a little kick to the veggies? add some cayenne pepper or a pepper sauce like Calabrian chili paste.
• Add 1 tsp of truffle oil to the finished veggies and toss for an elegant and robust flavor.
• Don’t like any of the veggies on the list? No problem. Simply switch out the veggies you do not like for veggies you do like. Adjust the cooking time.