Roasted veggies can be finger-lickin’ good too!

Adding more veggies to our meals is always a good idea, and roasting them is an easy way to do it. But roasted veggies can get a bit boring if you’re making them the same way every time. The good news is it doesn’t take much to make them taste amazing! A squeeze of lemon here, some fresh herbs there, and suddenly your veggies are packed with flavor. Ready to take your roasted veggies from blah to wow? Let’s do it!

The secret is in choosing the right oil

One of the key steps in roasting veggies is adding the right oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is great because it’s mild and helps the veggies caramelise, making them taste richer. If you want to try something different, use flavoured oils like citrus, garlic, or herbs for extra flavour. Coconut oil is another good option, adding a bit of sweetness and handling high heat well. Picking the right oil can really improve the taste of your roasted veggies!

Embrace citrus

A simple way to enhance the flavour of your roasted veggies is by adding a splash of citrus juice, either before or after cooking. Lime complements roasted corn or sweet potatoes in Mexican dishes, while lemon pairs well with eggplant or potatoes in Mediterranean meals. Just a touch can brighten up the dish without overwhelming it. Alternatively, roasting citrus slices alongside your veggies can add a hint of tanginess, balance out strong flavours, and give that pretty brown colour.

Don’t shy away from salt 

Don’t skip the salt when roasting veggies, even if you're watching your sodium intake! Vegetables have very little natural sodium, so a sprinkle of salt is key for bringing out their flavor. Adding salt at the start helps with even seasoning and caramelisation, while a touch at the end fine-tunes the taste. If you’re concerned about salt, just add it after cooking; it’ll make the vegetables taste saltier with less seasoning. This way, you get the flavour boost without overdoing it.

Match flavours to your cuisine 

The beauty of roasted vegetables is their versatility. You can easily transform them with different ingredients. For a Middle Eastern meal, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, fresh mint, or toasted pine nuts, and a splash of lemon juice. For Asian dishes, tamari soy sauce works wonders. Think ahead about what ingredients will match your meal’s flavours, so your roasted veggies can complement and elevate the entire dish.

Let herbs be the hero 

Herbs are essential for bringing out the best in roasted veggies with minimal effort. Both fresh and dried herbs work well, depending on what you have. Add dried herbs at the start of roasting, and sprinkle fresh ones on at the end. For example, dried kasuri methi is great in various dals and paneer dishes, while fresh coriander pairs with almost anything. Don’t hesitate to mix and match different herbs to find your favourites!

Always go local 

Lastly, always opt for fresh vegetables over frozen ones. Fresh veggies not only taste better but also have more crunch and nutrients. Buy from local farmers or shops to get the best quality. Choosing local, regional varieties is not just about better nutrients but also about saving money. After all, eating healthy shouldn’t be too costly!

In a nutshell, there are plenty of ways to make your roasted veggies delicious. Marinate them before roasting and season with black pepper, chilli flakes, or hing for a unique twist. Fresh, local veggies will elevate the flavor. Have fun experimenting and make your roasted veggies the star of your meal!