Time To Embrace Root Vegetables 

Root vegetables are exactly what they sound like. They are the root of a plant that is pulled from the ground and consumed as food. Unfortunately, root vegetables get a bad reputation because of their ugly appearance and dull flavors when cooked incorrectly.

The best time to experiment with root vegetables is during the winter season because they can be harvested and stored throughout the season. The most well-known root vegetables are potatoes and carrots. Root vegetables also include sweet potatoes, onions, beets, garlic, celeriac, fennel, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips, and yams.

If you have never cooked with root vegetables before, now is the time to start! They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Not to mention, they are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Need more motivation? Read on for the top reasons to start cooking with root vegetables today!

Good for Your Health

Root vegetables are packed full of vitamins, cancer-fighting antioxidants, and minerals that help reduce inflammation and increase skin health. Most root vegetables are slow-digesting carbohydrates that help regulate blood sugar levels and the digestive system. High fiber foods lower cholesterol and improve overall heart health reducing the chance of cardiovascular disease.

Take carrots, for example, they contain beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A in the body) which is great for vision health, skin, and hair. Beets are another excellent root vegetable for overall health due to their high levels of nitrates. When nitrates are consumed, they are converted into nitric oxide in the body which helps improve blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

They are Affordable

Popular root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes are typically the most affordable vegetables you can buy. They go for about fifty cents to a dollar a pound, making it extremely affordable to add them to your list of staple food items—adding them to soups and stews, mashing them, or adding them to roasted dishes. You have them in your grocery store all winter long, so take advantage of their low cost!

You can even grow your own root vegetables! Root crops are generally very easy to grow and don’t require a lot of space. All you need is some good quality soil, water, and sunlight and you will be on your way to harvesting your own food.

They Last a Long Time

One of the best things about root vegetables is that they last a long time when stored properly. Most root vegetables can be stored in a cool, dark place for several months—some can even last up to a year!

This is great news if you want to buy them in bulk or if you want to grow your own. You can store them and enjoy them all winter long without having to worry about them going bad.

When buying root vegetables, make sure they are hard and have no bruising or scrapes. These are signs that the vegetable is beginning to go bad.

Good for Weight Loss

The low caloric value of root vegetables is beneficial to people who are trying to lose or maintain weight. Most root vegetables contain high amounts of fiber that help keep you full and satisfied. Reducing the urge to grab higher calorie foods and gaining weight. High iron content helps increase energy levels encouraging you to move around more and stay active.

They are Versatile and Easy to Cook

Root vegetables can be used in a variety of dishes, making them extremely versatile. You can roast them, mash them, or even puree them into soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!

One of the best things about root vegetables is that they can be used as a replacement for higher-calorie foods. For example, you can use mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes or roasted parsnips in place of french fries.

Although root vegetables look scary on the outside they are quite easy to cook. They can be prepared raw, roasted, steamed, sautéed, mashed, and grilled. Most root vegetables only require minimal prep work and can be cooked quickly. This makes them a great option for weeknight meals when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Cooking with Root Vegetables

Now that you know all of the health benefits of root vegetables, it is time to start cooking with them! The best way to cook root vegetables is to roast them in the oven. This brings out their natural sweetness and makes them extra flavorful.

You can also boil or steam root vegetables and add them to soups and stews. Or, you can mash them and use them as a replacement for mashed potatoes. Here are some recipes for you to start with:

Roasted Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. root vegetables (parsnips, carrots, beets, turnips, etc.), peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, toss the diced root vegetables with olive oil.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.

Mashed Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. root vegetables (parsnips, carrots, potatoes, etc.), peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp. butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the diced root vegetables in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until tender.
2. Drain the cooked vegetables and return them to the pot. Mash the vegetables with a potato masher or an immersion blender.
3. Stir in the milk and butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. root vegetables (parsnips, carrots, potatoes, etc.), peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, toss the diced root vegetables with olive oil.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
4. Place the roasted vegetables, chicken or vegetable stock, onion, and garlic in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and puree the soup with an immersion blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

There are so many ways to cook with root vegetables! Get creative in the kitchen and try out different recipes. You might be surprised at how much you like them!