roasted vegetables
Article

RECIPE: Uplifting, Roasted Root Vegetables

  |  by 

Psychologist Susan Albers-Bowling notes, “It’s clear that food plays a role in mental health in general, and we know that the gut microbiome is incredibly important for how mood is regulated.” In addition to a balanced diet (with very few processed foods), increasing your intake of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, herbal teas, cinnamon, root vegetables, pumpkin seeds, and fermented foods may help combat depression and improve overall mood.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb sweet potatoes – 2 small or one large, peeled
  • 3/4 lb red potatoes scrubbed clean, peel on
  • 1/2 lb beets (red or golden), trimmed and scrubbed clean
  • 1/2 lb large carrots peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 1 parsnip medium sized (4-5 oz), peeled and halved lengthwise
  • 1/2 red onion peeled
  • 6 whole garlic cloves large sized
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 5 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 3 tsp dried rosemary)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or more to taste

Instructions

  1. Place a rack in the bottom of your oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Slice all vegetables into chunks roughly 1 1/2 inches wide.
  2. Place cut vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Add 3 tbsp olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until all vegetables are evenly coated with oil, spice and herbs.
  3. Brush a large rimmed baking sheet with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread the vegetables out evenly on the baking sheet. Place the rosemary sprigs on top of the vegetables, evenly spaced across the sheet.
  4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 15 minutes.
  5. Stir the vegetables, bringing the chunks from the outside towards the center and the chunks in the center out towards the edges. Return baking sheet to oven and continue to roast until the largest chunks are tender and the edges are starting to turn golden/dark, another 15-25 minutes.
  6. Remove the roasted rosemary sprigs and stir the vegetables (some leaves of rosemary will remain, this is good). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Vegetables can be served warm or at room temperature.
Sources: U.S. News, ToriAvey.com
Social Deputy. Volunteer.
Promoter of all things just. Child advocate. Award winner. Dina co-founded HealthDiscovery.org and has educated audiences for 20+ years through live/online events and print/digital communications. A licensed real estate agent in NJ and retired foster parent, she supports clean, farm-fresh eating and holistic therapies. Dina’s team is responsible for constructive educational events and effective digital & print communications in her role as Director of Marketing at Corporate Synergies, a national employee benefits specialist (and sponsor of this blog). She also leads the company’s CARES Committee of volunteers who support their local communities and fellow co-workers.

Read more about 

Read more essential benefits information and current health & wellness matters:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and depression with seasonal pattern [or seasonal affective disorder (SAD)] have many commonalities. But do you know these differences?
Depression affects appetite. Understanding how food affects mood can improve your mental outlook and diet choices.
Many Americans don’t understand basic health insurance terms which can lead to costly health decisions. Understanding key health insurance concepts can make things simpler.
Prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosis in men. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you get the care you need.
Prostate Health: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. So what do you know about this small organ?
Your prostate is a small smooth organ that is sometimes compared to a walnut. But did you know that peanuts are actually great for prostate health?
Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Do you know how your company’s employee assistance program can help?
Cognitive decline is a fact of aging. Being proactive about your brain health and cognitive reserve can reap intellectual rewards.