Roasted Root Vegetables w/ Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

Me and beets? We didn’t always get along. I didn’t like how they were dark and mushy and tasted of tin. You see, ed I had never had the pleasure of tasting a fresh beet perfectly prepared. I was only acquainted with beets from a can. These days, me and beets are like BFFs. I like them raw and crunchy in a salad, or tossed with pasta and gorgonzola. But most of all, I like them roasted. Beets are at their best when roasted. Kind of sweet and starchy and earthy. The perfect fall side dish.

For this recipe, I roasted beets and parsnips with a little olive oil and salt. After they were browned and toasty, I sprinkled them with crumbled feta and crunchy pumpkin seeds. I loved the contrast between the roasted vegetables, the sharp cheese and nutty seeds. It was a delicious side and we ate far more than we should have. A side note for you runners out there: we had an excellent long run the next day and I’m pretty sure we got that good energy from these beets.

So, if you and beets aren’t on speaking terms, I suggest a reconciliation with this recipe. I’m sure you’ll find that you and beets get along just fine.

[print_this text=’Print Recipe’]Roasted Root Vegetables w/ Feta & Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups peeled and diced beets (about 4 beets)
2 cups peeled and diced parsnips (about 4 -5)
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. coarse salt
2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350° and line a cookie sheet with parchment. Toss the beets and parsnips with the olive oil and salt and place on the cookie sheet in an even layer. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes, or until the beets tender and slightly browned.

Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with feta, pumpkin seeds and parsley.

Makes 4 servings. (2 if you’re piggies like me and Tom.)[/print_this]