Description
A simple and delicious side dish featuring roasted carrots and zucchini seasoned with herbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese, finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large carrots (about 2 heaping cups chopped)
- 2 medium-large zucchini
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese & Garnish
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan (recommend parmigiano-reggiano)
- 1/2 a lemon
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the carrots and chop them into roughly 1/4-inch rounds. Slice the zucchini into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds to ensure they cook evenly without becoming too soft.
- Toss Veggies with Seasonings: Place the chopped carrots and zucchini on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with dried thyme, dried basil, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Spread the veggies out in a single layer and sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese on top. Avoid adding salt now to prevent drawing excess moisture from the zucchini.
- First Roast: Roast the veggies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to begin softening and browning.
- Toss and Add More Cheese: Remove the baking sheet, toss the vegetables to redistribute, then top with the remaining parmesan cheese for added crispness and flavor.
- Final Roast: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until the veggies are tender and the cheese is golden and crispy.
- Season and Serve: Remove from the oven, season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve immediately to enjoy the crispy parmesan bits.
Notes
- Do not add salt before roasting as it draws out excess liquid from zucchini, making it soggy.
- Slicing zucchini thicker than carrots helps ensure even cooking and texture.
- For best flavor, use freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the parmesan bits.
- Optional fresh herb garnish adds a bright finish but is not required.
