Description
Roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes combine Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients. Crisp edges, caramelized surfaces, and herbal notes create a nutritious side dish perfect for health-conscious diners you can enjoy with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups / 270 g broccoli florets
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups / 450 g)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (for an herby twist)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsps chopped pecans or almonds (for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheating: Activate the oven to 425F (220C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light oil coating.
- Sweet Potato Preparation: Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil and spice blend, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to maximize caramelization and prevent overcrowding.
- Roasting Dynamics: Slide the sweet potatoes into the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes, then introduce seasoned broccoli florets, gently mixing with the partially cooked sweet potatoes to promote uniform browning and crisp edges.
- Final Roasting Stage: Continue baking until sweet potatoes achieve a deep golden exterior and tender interior, while broccoli develops crisp, slightly charred edges – approximately 10-15 additional minutes.
- Finishing Touch: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and enhance with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice, then optionally garnish with grated Parmesan or toasted nuts before serving immediately at peak temperature and flavor.
Notes
- Optimize Oven Temperature: Maintain 425F (220C) for perfect caramelization, ensuring vegetables develop golden, crispy edges without burning.
- Spread Strategically: Use a single, even layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote even roasting, allowing each vegetable piece to crisp beautifully.
- Season Generously: Massage oils and spices directly into vegetables for maximum flavor absorption and a more intense taste profile.
- Timing is Critical: Add broccoli after sweet potatoes’ initial roasting to prevent overcooking, maintaining ideal texture and preventing soggy or burnt edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg