Roasted Root Vegetables, recipe for Redlands Daily Facts Food Column "Root of Savory" 10.9.10, RedlandsDailyFacts.com)

Roasted Root Vegetables

Note: This is a fairly universal way to roast root vegetables. This recipe is very similar to one we prepared in culinary school. Any root vegetables may be used for this recipe. It's not necessary to limit yourself only to the below mentioned ingredients, feel free to include any of your other favorite vegetables in this wonderful seasonal dish!

1lb red-skinned potatoes, with peel left on, scrubbed, cut into 1in. cubes.
(or sub sweet potatoes, yams or whatever you like!)
1lb celery root (celeriac) peeled cut into 1in cubes.
1lb parsnips, peeled cut into 1in cubes
1lb carrots, peeled cut into 1in cubes (or sub with baby carrots, left whole)
1lb rutabagas, peeled cut into 1in cubes.
1lb jicama, peeled cut into 1in cubes
1lb turnips, peeled cut into 1 in cubes
1lb water chestnuts, cut into 1in cubes
2 large onions, cut into 1in pieces
2 leeks (white and pale green parts only) cut into 1in thick rounds
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or fresh thyme or any other fresh herb you like)
8-10 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1/2-3/4 cup olive oil (depending upon amount of vegetables used)

Preheat oven to 400F. Wipe roasting pan or baking sheet with cloth or paper towel soaked with cooking oil to prevent vegetables from sticking to pan. Combine all cut vegetables (except garlic cloves) into mixing bowl, toss to coat all vegetables evenly. Use as much olive oil as necessary to coat evenly coat all vegetables. Season generously with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Roast vegetables approx. 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When vegetables are evenly cooked, add garlic. Stir vegetables and garlic in pan. Continue to roast vegetables until browned and tender, approx addnl. 30-45 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!