Savouring the Old-fashioned Goodness of Root Vegetables
Nutritious, filling and
cheap, root vegetables were a kitchen mainstay of many big families
of yesteryear; nowadays, they turn up in fancy dishes at the
classiest tables. Savour the old-fashioned goodness of root
vegetables!
Nutritious, filling and cheap, root vegetables were a kitchen mainstay of many big families of yesteryear, and traditional Quebec cuisine made great use of them. Nowadays, rutabaga, beets, Jerusalem artichokes and celeriac turn up in fancy dishes at the classiest tables.
Rutabaga, carrots and beets this week, making this the perfect time to feature them in your cooking. Combine them with tiny sautéed green, yellow or striped patty pan squash for a vegetable dish that disappears like magic!
Nothing promises a good home-cooked meal like the aroma of beef pot roast with root vegetables wafting through the house. It's a classic that can be varied depending on the season's bounty. Be daring—go for colour and variety! Start with Grandma's recipes, then innovate with rutabaga, parsnips, potatoes, carrots, leeks and beets.
For smooth, rich-tasting cream soups, roast root vegetables until tender with a bit of water, butter, salt and sugar, stirring often. In a blender, purée vegetables with chicken broth to desired consistency. Roasting vegetables intensifies and locks in the flavour, resulting in splendidly savoury soups.
Line a deep casserole with phyllo or pie dough, layer with slices of your favourite cheese (cheddar, gouda, Emmenthal…) and thinly sliced root vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated mozzarella. Bake at 350ºF (180ºC) until vegetables are tender-crisp and crust is browned.
Peel beets, parsnips or rutabaga and slice very thin. Use a mandoline or food processor to ensure uniform slices. Deep fry in hot oil and enjoy colourful, crisp chips!
Root vegetables deserve more of the limelight. An excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, these vegetables are low in calories but rich in flavour. Click on Root Vegetables Rock! for handy hints and recipes to make the most of these buried treasures