Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
144 | 7g | 1g | 20g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 3g | 3g | 0.2g |
There’s a certain magic that comes with trying a new recipe, especially when it matches perfectly with your culinary preferences and lifestyle. Today, we are getting adventurous with a unique root vegetable in a delightful dish called Roasted Arracacha with Garlic and Rosemary. This recipe bears a striking resemblance to the homely, comforting dishes that I grew up with in the heartland of Nebraska. It reminds me of the warming beef stews and hearty casseroles I used to make, only this time with an exciting, vegetarian twist. A blend of Arracacha, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper, it’s just as robust and flavoursome as those favourite home dishes, yet surprisingly light and refreshing.
The Appeal of Arracacha
If you’re unfamiliar with Arracacha and wondering why I’m so in love with this recipe, let’s have a short introduction to it. Native to the Andes and known by various names like the Peruvian Parsnip and White Carrot, Arracacha has become popular worldwide for its sweet, earthy flavor. It’s very reminiscent of potatoes and carrots, making it an ideal addition to recipes that call for both. Despite being a tuber, Arracacha is lighter, with fewer calories and carbohydrates than the regular potato (source). It is also a fantastic source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health.
Flavorful Companions in the Recipe
Moving on from Arracacha, the other ingredients in this recipe, namely garlic and rosemary, contribute to its overall appeal. Garlic has been a staple in cuisines worldwide, owing to its robust flavor and multiple health benefits. It aids in lowering cholesterol levels and maintaining heart health (source). Fresh rosemary, with its fragrant aroma and flavor, adds a Mediterranean touch to this dish. Plus, rosemary is known for its beneficial properties such as improving digestion, boosting memory and concentration, and having antimicrobial effects (source).
One can’t help but get drawn in by the allure of this perfect, comforting Roasted Arracacha with Garlic and Rosemary recipe. You’d probably enjoy serving it alongside a good grilled steak, or a roasted chicken if you’re up for a full-on hearty meal. However, it also shines on its own, making it a sumptuous dish for vegetarians or those practicing a plant-based diet.
I love this recipe as it’s a testament to my love for the farm-to-table concept. It’s a dish that lets the ingredients shine – celebrating their natural flavors with minimal additions. And although it’s a bit different from the typical Midwestern dishes I grew up with, it shares that same comfort-food appeal that I’ve always treasured in my cuisine. Here’s to hoping you enjoy it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Large Arracacha roots
- 6 Cloves of Garlic
- 2 Fresh Rosemary sprigs
- 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven preheats, peel the Arracacha roots and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Strip the leaves from the rosemary sprigs and roughly chop them.
Step Two
Take a large baking tray and combine the Arracacha chunks, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary in it. Drizzle them with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the Arracacha is well coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step Three
Arrange the Arracacha in the single layer on the baking tray. This will ensure that every piece gets roasted evenly.
Step Four
Put the tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, take the tray out of the oven and carefully stir the Arracacha so that it cooks evenly. Continue roasting until the Arracacha is golden brown and crispy.
Step Five
Once done, remove the Arracacha from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this roasted Arracacha with garlic and rosemary as a delicious side dish or snack anytime.