Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Looking for a simple and healthy side dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than Roasted Broccoli and Carrots! This dish is all about bringing out the natural sweetness and earthy flavors of these two veggies through the magic of roasting. When roasted, the edges get crispy, caramelized, and oh-so-tender. Tossed with a little olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, this veggie combo is a game-changer. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and pairs perfectly with just about any main dish.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just need a quick side for a larger gathering, this roasted veggie recipe is sure to steal the show. The best part? It’s a delicious way to get your veggies in while satisfying your cravings for something savory and comforting. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Simple Yet Flavorful: It only takes a few ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The caramelized bits on the broccoli and carrots make every bite irresistible.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this side dish is both delicious and good for you.

Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of prep and about 25 minutes in the oven, you’ve got yourself a perfect side dish. No complicated steps, just simple and straightforward.

Versatile: This dish pairs well with almost any main course. Whether you’re serving it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a pasta dish, it’s a perfect addition to your meal.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Broccoli and Carrots:

• 1 lb broccoli florets – The broccoli adds a savory, slightly bitter note, which balances perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots.
• 4 medium carrots – Peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces. They become beautifully sweet and tender when roasted.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – This is the base for roasting and helps to crisp up the veggies, adding richness and flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant, savory kick to the veggies.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the broccoli and carrots.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – A little pepper brings just the right amount of bite to the dish.
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional) – A sprinkle of herbs elevates the dish with a fresh, earthy taste. You can even swap for other herbs like oregano or basil for a different flavor profile.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the veggies roast nicely, caramelizing their edges and making them crispy without burning.

2. Prepare the Veggies
Toss the broccoli florets and carrot slices in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs (if using). Stir everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings.

3. Spread on a Baking Sheet
Spread the seasoned veggies out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd them so they can roast evenly and get nice and crispy.

4. Roast the Veggies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the veggies halfway through. The broccoli should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges, and the carrots should be soft and caramelized.

5. Check for Doneness
After the roasting time, check the vegetables for tenderness. If they need a little extra time, give them a few more minutes in the oven until they’re perfectly roasted to your liking.

6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the veggies are done, remove them from the oven and give them a final sprinkle of salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm, and enjoy the roasted goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 185%
Vitamin C: 120%
Calcium: 10%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many different main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• With Grilled Chicken or Steak: The savory roasted flavors of the veggies are the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats.
• With Pasta or Risotto: This is an easy way to add some extra vegetables to your pasta dishes or creamy risottos.
• As Part of a Veggie Bowl: Layer roasted veggies with quinoa, rice, or couscous for a light, filling vegetarian bowl.
• With Eggs: Try serving these roasted veggies on the side of scrambled or poached eggs for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider using two baking sheets. Overcrowding can cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast, which means they won’t get as crispy.
• Add Some Heat: For a little spice, sprinkle the veggies with red pepper flakes before roasting.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to play around with different seasonings. A squeeze of lemon juice after roasting adds a fresh zing, and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top adds extra flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
A1: While fresh vegetables yield the best results, you can use frozen veggies in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid sogginess.

Q2: Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli and carrots?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap in other vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

Q3: Can I add cheese to this dish?
A3: Yes! A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of roasting makes for a delicious cheesy topping.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: While roasted vegetables are best served fresh, you can prep the veggies and season them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours and roast when you’re ready.

Q5: Can I roast these vegetables in an air fryer?
A5: Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The vegetables should come out just as crispy and delicious!

Q6: Can I use a different type of oil?
A6: Absolutely! You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil, coconut oil, or any other vegetable oil you prefer.

Q7: How can I add more flavor to the vegetables?
A7: Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a drizzle of honey before roasting for an extra burst of flavor.

Q8: Are roasted broccoli and carrots healthy?
A8: Yes! Roasting the vegetables with olive oil preserves their nutrients while adding flavor. Broccoli and carrots are both packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Q9: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A9: Yes! Add some crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Q10: How long will leftovers keep?
A10: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots are the perfect, simple side dish that’ll elevate any meal. With minimal ingredients and an easy method, you can create a dish that’s both healthy and full of flavor. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty main course or enjoying it on its own, this roasted veggie combo will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

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