Roasted smoked veggies
I can’t recommend these roasted smoked veggies enough! So let’s jump right in…
Have you heard the secret to best tasting roasted veggies? Beside roasting them in the smoker, you must marinade them! Marinating is simple yet very effective way to enhance flavor of your vegetables.
Yes, it is that simple. Just like we marinade proteins we must do the same with veggies.
No more dry smoked veggies
Marinating helps vegetables retain moisture during the roasting process. It also prevents them from becoming dry or bland. Experiment with various marinades to complement different cuisines or moods, adding versatility to your dish.
Why marinating is great:
- Flavor infusion: Marinating allows vegetables to soak up the flavors of the marinade, creating delicious end result
- Tenderizing – marinades containing acidic component (vinegar or citrus) can help break down the fibrous texture of the veggies making them more tender
- Easy to customize – express yourself. Zesty, savory, herby or garlicky flavor profile. Make it your own
- It only adds 15 minutes to the prep
Why you will love this easy smoked vegetable recipe
- Flavor and texture Explosion: The lemon herb vinaigrette combined with smoky essence and caramelized texture.
- Vibrant Colors: Rainbow carrots, parsnips, and a baby potato medley bring not only diverse flavors but also a burst of colors to your dish.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect as a side dish, salad topper, or even a standalone treat.
Recipe Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Rainbow Carrots – Use a selection of orange and rainbow carrots to visually elevate this dish. Pick firm and fresh carrots without any damage or black spots.
Parsnips – they have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, adding complexity to the dish. Look for parsnips that are firm, avoiding any that feel rubbery. Smaller parsnips tend to be more tender.
Baby Potato Medley – a mix of baby potatoes brings a variety of textures and flavors, from creamy to slightly waxy. Choose a mix with different colors for a visually appealing dish. Ensure even sizes for uniform roasting.
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette – a zesty concoction of olive oil, lemon juice, herbs like thyme and basil, creating a flavorful dressing. Before you apply, adjust the acidity and sweetness to your liking. Use fresh herbs when possible. If using dried herbs remember the conversion: 1 tbsp fresh herbs = 1 tsp dried herbs.
Recommended equipment
- Pellet Smoker, grill or you can make it in the oven and stove top
- Large baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Casserole dish for marinating the veggies
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoons for mixing
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Parchment paper
Most common mistakes to avoid when roasting veggies
- Overcrowding: You want perfectly roasted veggies? Give them space on the baking. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
- Forgetting to preheat: Always preheat your smoker or oven. Starting with a hot environment ensures a crisp exterior.
- Size matters: Cut your veggies into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Step by step instructions for the smoker
- To a medium size bowl add all the vinaigrette ingredients. Using whisk or fork mix lightly to combine the ingredients. Remove half cup and set aside.
- Wash, peel and cut your veggies. Try to keep them uniform in size. This will ensure even cooking.
- Transfer them into a casserole or deep dish.
- Pour over the vinaigrette, I used ½ cup. Don’t drench them. Using a large spoon mix the veggies with the vinaigrette to coat evenly.
- Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat your smoker to 400F. I recommend using Fruitwood pellets. They will add a subtle sweetness to complement the savory veggies.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the veggies onto the baking sheet.
- Smoke at 400F for 50 min.
- Half way through the cook, toss the veggies to ensure even roasting.
- The veggies are done when fork tender, crispy and browned.
Oven Instructions:
- Follow the same steps from the smoker instructions.
- Preheat oven to 425F
- Roast for 34-45 minutes.
- Check and toss the veggies half way through the roasting process.
- Veggies are done when fork tender, crispy and browned
TOP TIPS for successful veggie roasting
- Even Sizing is Key: Cut your veggies into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Mind Your Oil: Use high-smoke-point oils like olive or grapeseed oil. This prevents a burnt taste and helps achieve that lovely, crispy exterior.
- Don’t Forget to Preheat: Always preheat your oven or electric smoker. Starting with a hot environment ensures a quicker and more even cook, leading to that desirable caramelization.
- Give Them Space: Avoid overcrowding your baking sheet or smoker. Giving your veggies some room to breathe allows for proper airflow, preventing steaming and promoting crispiness.
- Toss Thoroughly: Whether marinating or coating with oil and seasonings, make sure to toss your smoked vegetables thoroughly. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Get creative and discover new smoke flavor combinations.
- Invest in Quality: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables. The freshness of your ingredients contributes significantly to the overall flavor of the final dish.
Did you know this about salt?
Salt gets such a bad rep all around. Salt also plays a crucial role during cooking. Not only helps to balance flavors of the dish, but also enhances the caramelization. This process is known as osmosis. Salt is applied to the surface of vegetables draws out moisture from the cells through osmosis. Why is this so important?
- Better Flavor: As moisture is drawn out, the concentration of natural sugars in the vegetable increases. This higher sugar concentration is essential for achieving a deep caramelization, as sugars caramelize when exposed to heat.
- Better Browning: With less moisture on the surface, the Maillard reaction—a complex chemical reaction responsible for browning and the development of rich, savory flavors—can occur more efficiently. Caramelization is closely tied to the Maillard reaction, and the combination of both processes enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Better Texture: By reducing surface moisture, salt helps create a drier environment during cooking. This is essential for achieving a crisp and caramelized exterior on smoke vegetables or other foods.
- Seasoning: salt serves to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. It adds a savory element that complements the sweetness developed through caramelization.
Best ways to enjoy the roasted veggies
- Salads: Toss them into a green salad for added depth and warmth.
- Grain Bowls: Top your favorite grain bowl for a hearty meal.
- Sandwiches: Elevate your sandwich game with these smoky delights.
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Storage and reheating instructions:
- Refrigeration:
- transfer to an airtight container once the vegetables cooled to room temperature.
- Use within 3-4 days
- Reheating:
- Oven: Arrange the vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper;
- Reheat them in the oven set to 350F for about 10-15 minutes
Best Roasted Veggies from the Smoker
Equipment
- 1 wood pellet smoker oven
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 vegetable peeler
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 whisk
- 1 casserole dish for marinating veggies
Ingredients
- 4-6 rainbow carrots
- 2 parsnips
- 2 cups baby potato medley
- 1 cup Lemon herb vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash, peel and cut your veggies. Try to keep them uniform in size. This will ensure even cooking.
- Transfer them into a casserole or deep dish.
- Pour over the vinaigrette, I used ½ cup. Don’t drench them. Using a large spoon mix the veggies with the vinaigrette to coat evenly.
- Set the veggies aside to marinade for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat smoker to 400F.
- Place a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet.
- Transfer the veggies onto the baking sheet.
- Smoke at 400F for 50 min.
- Half way through the smoke, toss the veggies to ensure even roasting.
- The veggies are done when fork tender, crispy and browned.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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Conclusion
Are you excited to start marinating your veggies before roasting? I bet you are. Adding this one, 15 minute step to the process is a game changer. Experiment with various marinades to complement different cuisines or moods, adding versatility to your dishes.
FAQ about roasting veggies
Can I use a grill basket to roast vegetables on a gas grill?
Yes, a grill basket is a great tool for roasting vegetables on a gas grill. It helps prevent smaller veggies like Brussels sprouts from falling through the grates.
How can I add a smoky flavor to my roasted vegetables?
Best way of course is to use smoker to roast your veggies. I would recommend to cook them at 180-200F and the high smoke setting for the first 20 minutes. This will infuse the maximum smokiness into the dish. Other great options:
- Use hickory, apple, cherry, or mesquite wood pellets or wood chips when cooking. They impart distinct smoky flavors. Soak the wood chips before use for a longer-lasting smoke.
- Use liquid smoke. It is a concentrated product derived from the actual smoke of wood. You can find it in most grocery stores. Mix a small amount with your marinade or drizzle it over the veggies before roasting.
- Use smoked salt or seasoning blends that include smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or smoked garlic.
- Using a smoker box when cooking on your grill or even smoker. Fill it with wood chips, and place it directly on the grill grates. As the chips heat up, they will release smoke, infusing your vegetables.
- Have you heard about smoking gun. This device allows you to infuse smoke directly into your veggies or marinades.
- Grill your veggies over wood or charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor.
Can I roast different veggies together or do they require different cooking times?
For best results choose veggies with similar cooking times to ensure even roasting. Here are few recommended pairings for roasting:
- root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes) + bell peppers
- zucchini, summer squash + tomatoes
- onions roast well with variety of veggies
- brussels sprouts + broccoli
What is the secret to perfectly caramelized exterior on roasted veggies?
Make sure your veggies are dry before roasting, and don’t forget a sprinkle of salt to enhance caramelization. Click HERE for more tips on roasting veggies.
What’s a flavorful marinade for roasted bell peppers?
A flavorful marinade for roasted bell peppers can include ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to create a tasty marinade bell pepper. Don’t forget to add lemon juice or zest for the acid component
Are there any vegetable recipes that are low in saturated fat?
Yes, many vegetable recipes are low in saturated fat. Vegetables themselves are naturally low in saturated fat, and you can prepare them in ways that minimize added fats and oils. Instead of oil you can use broth
How can I prevent my veggies from getting mushy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet with veggies. Poor airflow during cooking with make them stem instead of roast.
How can I prevent veggies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet.
How do I roast Brussels sprouts to make them crispy?
To make Brussels sprouts crispy when roasting, cut them in halves or quarters for even cooking, toss them in oil and seasonings, and roast them at a high temperature, like 400°F (200°C), until they are browned and crispy.
What are some delicious vegetable recipes to try besides roasted veggies?
There are countless vegetable recipes to explore, including stir-fries, vegetable soups and salads. Experiment with different cuisines and ingredients to discover new and exciting ways to enjoy vegetables.
Are there veggies not suitable for roasting?
Some leafy vegetables like spinach are not very suitable for roasting.
How can I reduce the saturated fat content in my vegetable dishes?
To reduce saturated fat in your vegetable dishes, use heart-healthy oils like olive oil sparingly, and avoid excessive use of butter or fatty sauces. Opt for cooking methods like roasting or grilling without excessive added fats.
