Eating in Season - Easy Roasted Fall Veggies

Guest post contributed by Mandy Kalin, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator

With the palette of wonderful autumn yellows, oranges and reds outside, I am inspired to share with you a dish that I’ve made many times. Mimicking the season and taking center stage at any meal, this is as easy as it is delicious. And the best part is, everything is in season right now. This equates to not only great value in the store, but peak freshness of the actual vegetables. This is a “set it and forget it” side dish for any main course and tastes equally as good heated in the microwave the next day, or pureed into a creamy soup (if it doesn’t all get eaten in one sitting).

Essentially just “roasted vegetables”, the caramelization of the natural sugars in these often already sweet veggies brings their flavor out, and at the same time the baking holds the vitamins and minerals in (in contrast to boiling, which lets much of the nutrition leech into the water).

While any vegetables can be roasted together in different combinations, using carrots, sweet potatoes and different squashes keeps the beauty of this dish on point.

INGREDIENTS:

Equal parts – Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Squash - just choose your favorite(s).

One – Onion. Any onion is fine, use a red one for extra color.

Light Olive Oil for tossing your veggies before cooking.

Salt and Pepper to taste.

DIRECTIONS:

Clean, peel and dice the vegetables – one-inch cubes work well.

Toss all of your veggies and oil and salt and pepper together.

Place on a cookie sheet at 350’ for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, stir around to prevent sticking or burning, then return to oven. Let cook for another 15-20 minutes and then check for doneness. If they are soft then they’re done. THAT’S IT!

EASY PEASY!

Orange vegetables are super nutritious, adding Vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin K and fiber to your diet, along with other trace vitamins and minerals to numerous to list here. They are low in calories, keep you feeling full and are great for skin, hair and eyes. All around they are a win-win, and your body will thank you for them by being able to battle anything this season has to throw at you. So, what are you waiting for? Get chopping!!!

Are you looking for ways to stretch your food budget and create healthy and delicious meals at home? Our SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators can help you gain the skills and confidence to create meals your family will love while also making the most of your time and budget.

Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Mandy or Shannon in Washington County, and Isi or Lizzie in Hancock County.