Complete your festive dinners with these healthy, vibrant, easy-to-prepare root vegetables.
When my family cooks a big holiday dinner, parsnips are almost always a part of the spread. I absolutely love the earthy yet sweet flavor they add to the plate. But when I moved away from home and started celebrating these holidays with new friends, parsnips were nowhere to be found. I became determined to keep up my own traditions and highlight the deliciousness of this root vegetable. What better way to do so than to serve it with another root vegetable that everyone already knows and loves? This roasted carrots and parsnips recipe was the perfect solution.
That other root vegetable, of course, is carrots. In this recipe, you’ll be cooking the two together in a wonderful blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and fresh rosemary. Parsnips and carrots are relatives of the same plant family, so they cook in a very similar way. That’s why they’re really a perfect pairing. The carrots bring their familiar, earthy taste to the dish, while parsnips bring a little something special to the table—more fragrant and tangy flavors, kind of like a cross between a radish and a carrot. And if you ask me, there’s nothing more festive than the addition of fresh rosemary!
Overall, this side dish is incredibly easy to prepare. The hardest part is patiently waiting for them to roast for just over half an hour. Whether it’s a special occasion or just another weeknight dinner, this dish adds a vibrant and delicious touch.
Can I use rainbow carrots for this recipe?
Absolutely! The mix of colors along with the parsnips would make for a beautiful dish. If you didn’t already know, carrots grow in colors like purple, yellow, and red—not just the widely known bright orange. Over the last few years, I’ve seen heirloom varieties of vegetables become more and more popular, and I couldn’t be happier. Heirloom refers to an open-pollinated variety of a vegetable that has been passed down for generations, prized for its unique traits and the ability to grow true from saved seed—unlike modern mass-produced hybrids. You’ll almost certainly be able to find regular orange carrots at your local grocery store. But if you can’t find rainbow carrots or parsnips there, try your local farmers’ market or natural foods store, which are great places to get regular carrots, too!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftover roasted carrots and parsnips, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a pan on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil.
Serving suggestions
Create a holiday-worthy feast anytime by pairing your roasted carrots and parsnips with The Best Mashed Potatoes, this Turkey Gravy Recipe, this Mushroom Stuffing Recipe, and some homemade Cranberry Sauce. For more casual meals, serve them alongside this vegetarian-friendly Easy Whole Roasted Cauliflower—or include the omnivores with Pecan Crusted Chicken or Brown Sugar Pork Chops.
Ingredients
- 4 large carrots
- 4 large parsnips
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel the carrots and parsnips and cut them into 1/2-inch chunks.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and fresh rosemary.
- Spread the vegetables in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Sprinkle with additional rosemary for garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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