Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in delicious food and spending quality time with loved ones. As the holiday approaches, many people start planning their Thanksgiving menu and looking for new, exciting recipes to add to their traditional spread. If you're tired of the same old mashed potatoes and looking to add some variety to your Thanksgiving table, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis has the perfect recipe for you – her smashed root vegetables. This mouth-watering dish is not only a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast, but it's also easy to make and packed with nutrients. Let's take a closer look at Giada's smashed root vegetable recipe and how it can elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Vegetables, Sauce, Pesto, Peanuts, Rice
If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy meal, these fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce are the perfect choice. Packed with colorful vegetables and flavorful herbs, these rolls are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and nutrients. Plus, the homemade peanut sauce adds a deliciously creamy and nutty element to the dish. You won't believe how easy and fun it is to make these rolls at home!
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Borscht Borscht Borscht Borscht
Main Ingredients: Soup Bones, Shoulder Roast, Onion, Garlic, Carrots
Borscht is a traditional soup that originated in Eastern Europe, and it has become a staple in many households around the world. This hearty soup is made with beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. The vibrant color of this soup is sure to catch your eye, and the taste will keep you coming back for more.
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The best paleo/AIP rice replacement (not cauliflower)
Main Ingredients: Roots, Water
If you're following a paleo or AIP diet, finding a good rice replacement can be a challenge. While cauliflower rice is a popular option, it can get repetitive and may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to cruciferous vegetables. But fear not, because we've found the best rice replacement that's not cauliflower – plantains! These starchy fruits make a great base for a grain-free "rice" dish and can be easily seasoned to your liking.
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Crock Pot Pork Loin Roast
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin Roast, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Olive Oil
For a simple and delicious dinner option, try this crock pot pork loin roast recipe. With minimal prep time, you can have a perfectly tender and flavorful pork loin waiting for you when you get home. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a juicy and tender meat. Plus, it's a great way to feed a crowd without much effort!
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Thai Lemongrass Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Batons, Lemongrass, Garlic Cloves
Transport your taste buds to Thailand with this flavorful and aromatic Thai lemongrass chicken recipe. The combination of lemongrass, garlic, and ginger creates a fragrant marinade that infuses the chicken with a unique and delicious taste. Serve with some jasmine rice and fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Instant Pot Beets Salad
Main Ingredients: Roots, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Sea
If you're a beet lover, this instant pot beets salad is a must-try. The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking time of beets, making them tender and flavorful in just a few minutes. Toss them with some fresh greens, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and healthy salad option.
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Vegetable Matchstick Fries with Homemade Herb Salt
Main Ingredients: Vegetable, Fresh Herbs, Salt, Root Vegetables, Chilli
Craving some fries but want a healthier option? Look no further than these vegetable matchstick fries with homemade herb salt. Thinly sliced carrots, parsnips, and zucchini make for a crispy and flavorful fry alternative. Sprinkle with some homemade herb salt and you won't even miss the traditional potato version.
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Vegan Pho
Main Ingredients: Spring Onions, Cinnamon Stick, Star Anise, Peppercorns
Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup that is typically made with beef broth, but this vegan version is just as delicious and satisfying. The key to a flavorful pho is the broth, and this recipe uses a combination of spices, mushrooms, and vegetable broth to create a rich and flavorful base. Add in some rice noodles, tofu, and fresh herbs for a complete and hearty meal.
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Giada Marinara
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Small Onions, Garlic Cloves
This homemade marinara sauce by Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect base for any Italian-inspired dish. The simple and fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, and basil, create a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. And with just 15 minutes of prep time, this marinara sauce is quick and easy to make.
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Root Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Yellow Summer
This root vegetable casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights. The combination of root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots, creates a colorful and flavorful dish. Top it off with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and bake until golden brown for a delicious and filling meal.
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Apple Cider Roasted Root Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Root Vegetables, Carrots, Beets, Garlic, Onions
Roasting root vegetables with apple cider adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to this dish. The combination of beets, turnips, and carrots creates a perfect balance of earthy and sweet flavors. This dish is a great side dish for any fall or winter meal, and it's also a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yellow Potatoes, Water, Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Garlic
If you're tired of the same old mashed potatoes, try these crispy smashed potatoes for a change. These potatoes are boiled until tender, then smashed and roasted until crispy. The result is a flavorful and crunchy potato dish that pairs well with any protein. Plus, they're easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
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Cajun Yucca Fries
Main Ingredients: Roots, Cajun Seasoning, Lime, Salt, Black Pepper
Yucca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root vegetable that is a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. These Cajun yucca fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional French fries. They are seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices and baked until crispy, making them a flavorful and guilt-free snack or side dish.
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Root Vegetables in a Slow Cooker
Main Ingredients: Onion, Root Vegetables, Garlic, Salt
Looking for an easy and hands-off way to cook root vegetables? Try using your slow cooker! Simply toss your favorite root vegetables, such as potatoes, parsnips, and carrots, with some herbs and spices, and let them cook on low for 4-6 hours. The result is a perfectly tender and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort.
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Hearty Winter Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onions, Leeks, Garlic, Root Vegetables
As the weather gets colder, a warm and hearty soup is just what you need to cozy up with. This winter soup is packed with root vegetables, beans, and a variety of spices, creating a flavorful and filling dish. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge.
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Sataejjim (Slow Cooker Braised Beef Shank)
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank Meat, Root Vegetables, Medium Carrot, Onion
Sataejjim is a Korean braised beef dish that is slowly cooked until the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. This recipe uses beef shank, a flavorful and inexpensive cut of meat, and braises it in a sweet and savory sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and honey. Serve with some rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Root Veggie Chips- Healthy Lunch Idea for Kids
Main Ingredients: Roots, Beets, Potatoes, Yucca, Rutabaga, Turnips
Struggling to get your kids to eat their vegetables? These root veggie chips may just do the trick. Sliced root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets, are baked until crispy and seasoned with some salt and herbs. They make for a fun and tasty lunch option, and your kids won't even realize they're eating their veggies!
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Parsnip and Root Vegetable Casserole
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Parsnips, Root Vegetables
This parsnip and root vegetable casserole is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of parsnips, potatoes, and carrots creates a flavorful and colorful dish that pairs well with any protein. Plus, the addition of cheese and breadcrumbs on top adds a nice crunch and extra layer of flavor.
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Roasted Vegetable Baby Food
Main Ingredients: Root Vegetable, Olive Oil
If you have a little one at home, this roasted vegetable baby food is a great way to introduce them to a variety of flavors and textures. Simply roast a combination of root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets, and puree them until smooth. You can also add in some herbs and spices for added flavor and nutrition.
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Jerk Cauli Steaks w/ Honey Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Butter, Cauliflower, Chinese Five Spice
Treat yourself to a flavorful and healthy meal with these jerk cauliflower steaks with honey smashed sweet potatoes. The combination of spicy jerk seasoning with the sweetness of honey creates a delicious balance of flavors. Plus, the cauliflower steaks and sweet potatoes make for a colorful and nutrient-dense dish.
Why Choose Root Vegetables?
The Benefits of Root Vegetables
Root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips, are often overlooked in favor of more popular vegetables like potatoes and green beans. However, these humble root vegetables offer a wide range of health benefits. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also have a low glycemic index, making them a great option for those watching their blood sugar levels. Furthermore, root vegetables are budget-friendly and readily available, making them a fantastic addition to any Thanksgiving menu.
Giada's Smashed Root Vegetable Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Giada's smashed root vegetable recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your guests and elevate your Thanksgiving dinner. To make this dish, you'll need a variety of root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga. Begin by peeling and chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Then, boil them in a pot of salted water until they are tender. Drain the vegetables and transfer them to a baking dish. Using a fork, gently smash the vegetables to create a rustic, mashed-like texture. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh rosemary and thyme, and bake in the oven until golden and crispy.
Why Giada's Recipe is a Must-Try
Giada's smashed root vegetable recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The combination of different root vegetables adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic Thanksgiving side dish. The olive oil and fresh herbs add a touch of richness and freshness to the dish, making it a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey. Plus, the smashed texture adds a lovely visual appeal to your table setting.
Final Thoughts
Giada's smashed root vegetable recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a healthy and flavorful dish to their Thanksgiving menu. Not only is it easy to make, but it also offers a wide range of health benefits and is budget-friendly. So why not impress your guests with this delicious and unique twist on a classic side dish? Give Giada's smashed root vegetable recipe a try this Thanksgiving and elevate your dinner to a whole new level.
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