An elegant table and nutritious food have something in common- neither need to be fussy to be fantastic. The simpler the preparation, the better when it comes to dressing up vegetables in a way that garners attention and begs people to gobble them down (with class). Gotta have potatoes at your holiday table? No problem. But, there’s no need to mash them with mounds of butter. Instead, make a Roast Potatoes, Parsnips and Carrots side dish flavored with garlic and rosemary that will make heads turn.
The trio of root vegetables can provide your table with a burst of flavor, nutrition and color. Select your vegetables from a farmer’s market or the organic aisle at the grocery store and you might be able to find purple carrots along with the typical orange variety to add even more richness to the dish.
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Healthify Your Holiday Dinner Table With Roasted Roots
The more color, the better! The vitamins and minerals behind the hues provides a bounty of nutrients:
Parsnips look like white carrots. But, their sweet taste is as unique as their potential health benefits. Some studies indicate parsnips might help control cholesterol, boost mood, aid digestion and act as an antioxidant. Parsnips boast high levels of potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, phosphorous, fiber, folate and even contain some protein. They are a great source of Vitamins E, K, B and C.
While carrots are common, their health benefits shouldn’t be taken for granted. If you want to protect your vision, boost oral health, improve immunity, control cholesterol and have decent digestion try eating carrots. Like parsnips they are high in fiber, potassium, manganese and iron. Carrots also contain beta carotene and Vitamins A,C, K and B8.
Humble potatoes make their way to holiday tables for a reason. Eating potatoes can render better heart health, improve digestion, decrease inflammation and maybe even give you nicer skin! Potatoes are high in potassium and contain loads of vitamins like A, C, B’s among others. If you’re looking for iron, calcium and phosphorous, eat potatoes!
Ready to get cooking?
Try this Roast Potatoes, Parsnips and Carrots with Sweet Garlic and Rosemary recipe from Jamie Oliver. You can’t go wrong with this side dish. If you can turn on an oven and wield a vegetable peeler, you can make it. It’s spectacularly simple and will treat you and your guests to nutrition nirvana.
