Veggies
Honey Glazed Baked Carrots and Beets
Vegan Recipe
To prepare a delightful and quite filling batch of Honey Glazed Baked Carrots and Beets, start by selecting some large, fresh carrots and beets. Begin by peeling both vegetables to ensure a smooth, even texture. Trim the ends off to make them easier to peel, and wear gloves when peeling the beets unless you really want your hands to turn red.
Place the carrots and beets into a large bowl, then toss them generously with olive oil. Season them with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the oil and seasonings.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which allows them to roast evenly and develop a lovely caramelization. Bake them for ~60 minutes. After this initial roasting period, remove the vegetables from the oven and brush them generously with honey.
For this recipe, wildflower honey works particularly well due to its smooth texture, but any honey that is easy to brush will do. After glazing the vegetables with honey, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at the same temperature. This final baking step allows the honey to caramelize and create a beautiful, sticky glaze on the carrots and beets.
Given the substantial quantity this recipe produces, it’s often practical to freeze most of it while keeping a portion in the fridge for immediate consumption. The baked vegetables freeze well and can be reheated easily for a quick side dish later on.
In terms of nutrition, both carrots and beets offer impressive health benefits. Carrots are renowned for their high content of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy vision, boosting immune function, and promoting skin health. Carrots also provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, carrots contain several other antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
Beets, on the other hand, are rich in a variety of nutrients and beneficial compounds. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, folate (vitamin B9), and manganese. Beets are particularly noted for their high concentration of betalains, which are pigments with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Betalains have been shown to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Furthermore, beets contain nitrates, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure by promoting the dilation of blood vessels. This is beneficial for cardiovascular health. The folate in beets is also vital for cell division and the formation of DNA, making it particularly important during periods of rapid growth or for pregnant women.
Both carrots and beets offer a nutrient-rich profile that supports various aspects of health, from vision and skin to heart health and digestion. This Honey Glazed Baked Carrots and Beets recipe not only delivers a deliciously sweet and savory side dish but also packs a significant nutritional punch.
Baking Variation
You can also try baking @ 375F for 90 min to reduce if not eliminate the char on the veggies.
