Roasting is one of my favorite ways to cook vegetables. It is so easy and makes vegetables taste so good! When vegetables are roasted at high cooking temperatures, it causes their natural sugars to caramelize. That creates golden, slightly crisp edges that are so tasty.

With just a little bit of olive oil, some vegetables, and some seasonings, you will be on your way to a delicious side dish. You can use fresh or dried herbs and spices. However, dried herbs are often a better choice for roasting since fresh herbs can burn at high heat. When substituting dried herbs for fresh, use about a third of the amount since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. If you prefer to use fresh herbs, use them as a finishing garnish right before serving. Give these seasonings a try for great results:

• Smoked Paprika – adds smoky flavor without spicy heat and pairs well with almost any vegetable
• Garlic and Thyme – perfect with Brussels Sprouts
• Tarragon – goes well with roasted carrots
• Cumin – try with sweet potatoes or butternut squash
• Turmeric – great with cauliflower

Your roasting technique can make a difference in the flavor and texture of roasted vegetables. It is best to add oil first and spices second. Tossing in olive oil first helps the seasoning stick and aids in even browning. Allowing your sheet pan to heat in the oven as it preheats helps vegetables cook and caramelize quicker. Add your seasoned vegetables to the preheated pan and then pop them in the oven. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan though. A crowded pan will lead to steaming instead of roasting. Space is needed to get the crispy edges you want in roasted veggies. A squeeze or drizzle of an acid like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar right after roasting can brighten the flavor.

Try creating flavor combinations with mixtures of herbs and spices. It is easy to mix up a batch to have on hand. Store your seasoning mixture in an airtight container like a small jar with a lid so it is ready to use when you are ready to roast. Taco seasoning is a great spice mixture for flavoring roasted vegetables. You can buy the pre-made seasoning or make your own.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.