A Comforting Roasted Vegetable Bake
This Roasted Root Vegetable Bake combines naturally sweet carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes with creamy feta, crunchy almonds, and a rich maple cranberry drizzle. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, while the tangy feta and fruity glaze create a delicious balance of flavours and textures.
Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a colourful side dish, this recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for family meals, festive gatherings, or cosy autumn and winter dinners.
Ingredients
For the Bake
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups (300 g) pumpkin, cubed
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 cup (150 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup (60 g) sliced or roughly chopped almonds
For the Maple Cranberry Drizzle
- ½ cup (120 ml) cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
For Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- Extra almonds
Gather all the ingredients before you begin to ensure everything is ready once the vegetables have finished roasting.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes on a large baking tray. Drizzle with the olive oil, then season with the salt and black pepper. Toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning the vegetables if needed, until they are tender and lightly caramelised around the edges.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a baking dish and scatter the crumbled feta and almonds evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven for 5–10 minutes, allowing the feta to soften slightly while the almonds become lightly toasted.
- Meanwhile, combine the cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Drizzle the warm maple cranberry sauce evenly over the baked vegetables.
- Finish with fresh thyme or parsley and an extra scattering of almonds before serving warm.
Tips
- Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they roast evenly.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the baking tray to encourage caramelisation.
- Warm the cranberry drizzle gently to achieve a smooth consistency that’s easy to pour.
- Add the garnish just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and vibrant.
Serving and Storage
Serve this bake warm as a vegetarian main course or alongside your favourite roast or grilled dishes. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated before serving. For the best texture, add any extra fresh herbs after reheating.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fibre: 7 g
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
