Root for the Root Vegetables
How to Enjoy These Nutritious and Delicious Veggies
Root vegetables are the edible parts of plants that grow underground, such as carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, sweet potatoes, and more. They are often overlooked or underrated, but they have many benefits for your health and your taste buds. Here are some reasons why you should root for the root vegetables and some tips on how to cook them in new and exciting ways.
Why Root Vegetables Are Good for You
Root vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that can help you stay healthy and prevent diseases. Here are some of the nutrients that you can get from different root vegetables:
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which is essential for vision, skin, and immune system. They also contain vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Beets are high in nitrates, which can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. They also have folate, which is vital for DNA synthesis and cell division.
Turnips are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can protect your cells from damage and boost your immune system. They also have glucosinolates, which are compounds that can modulate inflammation and detoxification.
Radishes are low in calories but high in water and fiber, which can help you feel full and aid digestion. They also have vitamin B6, which is involved in many metabolic processes and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin A, which can help prevent infections and support eye health. They also have potassium, which can regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
These are just some examples of the nutritional benefits of root vegetables. There are many more root vegetables that you can explore and enjoy, such as parsnips, rutabagas, celeriac, ginger, turmeric, and more.
How to Cook Root Vegetables in New and Exciting Ways
Root vegetables are versatile and can be cooked in many ways, such as roasting, boiling, mashing, frying, or baking. Here are some new and exciting recipe suggestions for each variety of root vegetable:
Carrot cake oatmeal: Start your day with a warm and cozy bowl of oatmeal that tastes like carrot cake. Simply cook some rolled oats with grated carrots, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Then top it with some chopped walnuts, raisins, and cream cheese frosting. This is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that will keep you satisfied and energized.
Beet hummus: Add some color and flavor to your snack time with this vibrant and creamy dip. All you need is some cooked beets, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Blend them all together until smooth and enjoy with some pita bread, crackers, or fresh veggies. This is a great way to get more antioxidants and fiber into your diet.
Turnip and potato gratin: Make a hearty and cheesy side dish with this easy and tasty recipe. Thinly slice some turnips and potatoes and layer them in a baking dish. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, thyme, and cheese between each layer. Then pour some heavy cream over the top and bake until golden and bubbly. This is a comforting and satisfying dish that will go well with any main course.
Radish and cucumber salad: Refresh your palate with this crisp and tangy salad. Chop some radishes and cucumbers and toss them with some lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. This is a simple and light salad that will add some crunch and flavor to your meal.
Sweet potato brownies: Treat yourself to a decadent and healthy dessert with these fudgy and moist brownies. Mix some mashed sweet potatoes, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Then fold in some chocolate chips and bake until set. These are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan brownies that will satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.
These are just some of the ways that you can cook root vegetables in new and exciting ways. There are many more recipes that you can find online or create yourself. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Root vegetables are not only nutritious but also delicious. They can add variety, color, and flavor to your diet. They can also help you stay healthy and prevent diseases. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and root for the root vegetables and enjoy their benefits and tastes!
- By Betsey Sorrell
