Oven Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes 🥦🍠

This Oven Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes recipe is a simple, healthy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness, while the broccoli becomes tender and slightly crispy, with a rich, savory flavor. The combination of both vegetables roasted with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning creates a delicious, nutritious side that complements almost any main dish. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a festive meal, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 🍠
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets 🥦
• 3 tbsp olive oil 🧴
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 tsp ground paprika 🌿
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin 🌿
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂🌶️
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋 (optional)
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Cut the broccoli into florets. You can also peel the stem and cut it into smaller pieces to roast as well.
2. In the same bowl (or another large bowl), toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is coated well with the oil and seasoning.

Step 4: Roast the Vegetables

1. Arrange the sweet potatoes and broccoli on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. If needed, use two separate baking sheets to ensure they are not overcrowded. This helps them roast evenly and become crispy.
2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the vegetables halfway through for even cooking. The sweet potatoes should be tender and golden, and the broccoli should be crispy and slightly browned at the edges.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

1. Once the vegetables are roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the veggies for a burst of freshness (optional, but highly recommended!).
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve your Oven Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes immediately as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as chicken, fish, or steak. This dish also works great for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love Oven Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes:

1. Flavorful & Simple: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the nutty, crispy flavor of the broccoli. Tossing them with simple seasonings like garlic, paprika, and cumin makes this dish truly delicious. 🌿

2. Healthy & Nutritious: Both broccoli and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber, while broccoli is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. 🌱

3. Quick & Easy: This dish requires minimal prep and is ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prepping. ⏱️

4. Customizable: You can easily change up the seasonings to fit your tastes. Try adding cayenne pepper for some heat or rosemary for a more earthy flavor. 🧂

5. Versatile Side: This dish pairs perfectly with a wide variety of mains, from grilled meats to roasted fish, and can even be served as a vegetarian main with a side of grains like quinoa or rice. 🍴

Pro Tips for Perfect Roasted Vegetables:

1. Even Cutting: Cut your sweet potatoes and broccoli into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will cook faster and become crispier, while larger pieces will take a little longer.

2. Don’t Overcrowd: If the baking sheet is too crowded, the vegetables will steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer for the best crispy results.

3. Add Texture: For extra texture, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds or almonds over the roasted vegetables before serving.

4. Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the broccoli before roasting.

Conclusion:

Oven Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes is the perfect side dish for any meal. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this dish packs a ton of flavor and is super healthy. The sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness, while the broccoli becomes wonderfully crispy and savory. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight, but also impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a tasty, veggie-filled side! 🥦🍠

Enjoy your delicious, nutritious meal! 😋