Roasted Carrots and Parsnips With Fresh Herbs Recipe

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Halve each of the 4 peeled parsnips crosswise where it becomes narrow. Diagonally cut the narrow portions into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Quarter the wider portions and diagonally cut them into 3/4-inch-thick slices.
   

2. In a large bowl, toss parsnips, and 5 peeled carrots cut diagonally into 3/4-inch-thick slices with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt or to taste, 1 teaspoon pepper or to taste, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary, and 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage. Spread mixture in a large shallow baking pan and pour in the 2 tablespoons water. Roast vegetables in lower third of oven until tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.

All About Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are precisely that—plants whose roots are used as food. In some cases, not only is the root eaten, but the green leafy part as well. And they're good for you! Because root vegetables grow underground, they absorb tons of nutrients from the soil making them packed with antioxidants, vitamins C, B, A, and iron, and slow-burning carbohydrates and fiber, which make you feel full, and help regulate your blood sugar and digestive system.

Root vegetables include carrots, beets, rutabagas, turnips, kohlrabi, horseradish, burdock, celeriac, daikon, jicama, parsnips, parsley root, radishes, yams, sweet potatoes, potatoes, garlic, onions, scallions, and a lot more.

Local varieties are available typically only from fall through spring, except for beets which are the best summer through fall. In-season roots have a deeper, sweeter flavor and are juicier. But these days, root vegetables are available year-round from warmer climes.

When choosing root vegetables, Oh My Veggies says to use the opposite strategy you'd use for fruit. In other words, the harder the root, the better it will be. They should be smooth and free of gashes or bruises. For roots with leafy greens, (beets, for example), make sure the stems and leaves are firm and bright.

Root veggies are best stored in a cool, dark, humid room (like a root cellar). When storing them in the fridge, keep them in a paper or plastic bag in the crisper. Storing them uncovered causes them to soften and go bad quickly.