Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make side dish featuring balsamic roasted fennel and carrots, perfectly caramelized and seasoned with herbs for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired vegetable dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced into wedges
Seasonings and Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Vegetables: Place the carrot sticks and fennel wedges in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Drizzle the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey over the vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, then toss everything thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking and browning, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and transfer the roasted vegetables to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving.
- This side pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or can be served alongside quinoa for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey if desired.
- Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly for even roasting and caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
