Savory Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Meyer Lemon Zest
Experience the unique and sweet flavor of Meyer lemons harmoniously blended with the earthy sweetness of roasted carrots and parsnips in this delightful dish. This recipe celebrates the tender zest of Meyer lemons, which is not only edible but adds a refreshing twist to the vegetables. With a careful balance of olive oil and fresh parsley, this dish is a perfect side for any meal or a stand-alone vegetarian delight. Whether served warm or at room temperature, the vibrant colors and flavors will surely impress your guests. This revamped recipe is lighter, yet still maintains all the delicious flavors you love. Perfect for illustrating the beauty of seasonal produce, this dish embodies the spirit of wholesome cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (for baking sheets)
Large carrots
1 lb (peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices)
Large parsnips
1 lb (peeled and cut diagonally into 1/8-inch-thick slices)
Large garlic cloves
20 (peeled)
Meyer lemon
1 (halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices, seeds removed)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for tossing vegetables)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Meyer lemon juice
1/2 (juice of)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for drizzling, optional)
Kosher salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (for finishing seasoning)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Savory Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Meyer Lemon Zest?
The main ingredients include large carrots, large parsnips, 20 garlic cloves, Meyer lemons, olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses only plant-based ingredients like vegetables, olive oil, and herbs.
Is the roasted carrots and parsnips dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How should I slice the carrots for this recipe?
The carrots should be peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
How should I slice the parsnips for this recipe?
The parsnips should be peeled and cut diagonally into 1/8-inch-thick slices.
Why are Meyer lemons used instead of regular lemons?
Meyer lemons have a unique sweet flavor and a tender zest that is edible and less bitter than standard lemons, which perfectly complements the earthy root vegetables.
How do I prepare the garlic for this dish?
You should use 20 large garlic cloves that have been peeled but left whole.
How should the Meyer lemon be sliced?
The lemon should be halved lengthwise and then cut crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices, with the seeds removed.
Can I eat the lemon slices in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically utilizes the thin, edible zest and flesh of Meyer lemons which soften and sweeten when roasted.
What type of salt is recommended for seasoning?
Kosher salt is recommended both for the initial roasting and for the final seasoning adjustment.
Is olive oil the only fat used in this recipe?
The recipe uses olive oil for tossing the vegetables and suggests an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
The dish is best garnished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a refreshing finish.
Can I serve this dish at room temperature?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How many garlic cloves are required?
This recipe calls for 20 large garlic cloves, which become sweet and mellow during the roasting process.
Should I use cooking spray on the baking sheets?
Yes, vegetable oil cooking spray is recommended for the baking sheets to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
What is the primary flavor profile of this side dish?
The profile is a balance of earthy sweetness from the roasted root vegetables and a bright, citrusy tang from the Meyer lemon.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is described as a light, wholesome dish that celebrates seasonal produce and healthy fats.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires the juice of half a Meyer lemon to be added near the end.
Can I substitute regular lemons if I cannot find Meyer lemons?
You can, but the flavor will be more acidic and the zest will be more bitter. You may want to use thinner slices or slightly less juice.
What is the preparation for the parsnips?
Parsnips should be peeled and sliced thinner than the carrots (1/8-inch) because they can sometimes be denser.
What kind of oil should I use for roasting?
Standard olive oil is used for the roasting process, as it has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, the vibrant colors of the carrots and parsnips along with the lemon slices make it a visually impressive side dish.
What is the purpose of the extra virgin olive oil in this recipe?
The extra virgin olive oil is used as an optional finishing drizzle to add a rich, raw olive flavor before serving.
Do I need to remove seeds from the Meyer lemon?
Yes, ensure seeds are removed from the lemon slices to avoid any bitter or hard bites in the finished dish.
How many pounds of vegetables are needed total?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of root vegetables: 1 lb of carrots and 1 lb of parsnips.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The raw data does not specify exact calorie, fat, or protein counts, but notes it is a lighter, vegetable-forward dish.
Can this recipe be considered a seasonal dish?
Yes, it is designed to highlight seasonal produce, particularly Meyer lemons and root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 ingredient items listed for this recipe.
Are the garlic cloves chopped or whole?
The garlic cloves are left whole (peeled), allowing them to roast into soft, sweet nuggets.
How much kosher salt is used for the finishing seasoning?
An additional 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of kosher salt is suggested for finishing the dish.