Root Vegetables: Winter Recipes

Cold, wet winter nights bring to mind warm comfort foods and root vegetables are wonderful ingredients in these two comforting classics. There are many nutritions and delicious root vegetables at their peak season during the winter months. Try one of these delicious comfort food recipes the next time you and your family want a warm, comforting meal.

Cheesy Root Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients:
3 medium potatoes (any variety)
1 onion
3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic
3 carrots
1 fennel root
1 leek (white part only)
3 parsnips
1/4 cup flour (may need more if sauce does not thicken enough)
2 cups milk or cream
2 tablespoons butter, margarine, or oil
1 large box Velveeta Processed Cheese
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into bite size pieces, except onion and garlic. Mince onion and garlic cloves. Saute onion, garlic, leek, and fennel in a small amount of oil until onion is clear, but not browned.

Melt butter in a large enough pan to make cheese sauce. Add flour, salt, and pepper and mix to create a smooth paste. Slowly add milk (or cream) in small increments stirring continuously. Let cook over low to medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add Velveeta and continue to stir. If sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of oil with a couple of tablespoons of flour and add to sauce.

Once cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened, combine the vegetables and the cheese sauce in an oven proof baking pan. Top with seasoned bread crumbs and bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Herb Roasted Root Vegetables:

Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes (any variety)
3 parsnips
3 carrots
3 turnips
1 onion
4 cloves garlic
1/8 cup fresh (or 3 tablespoons dried) parsley
1/8 cup fresh (or 3 tablespoons dried) oregano
1/8 cup fresh (or 3 tablespoons dried) thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive or canola oil

Directions:
Wash and cut all vegetables except onion and garlic into bite size pieces. Mince garlic and onion. cut or tear fresh herbs into small pieces. Combine oil, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix the vegetables with the oil mixture and toss to coat. Place vegetables in a large baking pan and bake at 450 for about 30 to 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender and golden brown.

The next time you are looking for a warm and delicious, comfort food, side dish try one of these two recipes! They are packed with nutrition, filling, and delicious. You don't have to wait for cold weather to enjoy them either, so why not try one tonight?

Sources:
Personal Experience