These roasted root vegetables are fun to arrange and look really pretty once assembled. Very thin slices of red and gold beets and rutabaga alternate to create a visually stunning pattern. I drizzled them with olive oil and thyme, and finished with balsamic vinegar. It created a silky and crispy texture with slightly caramelized edges.
Last week, it was on the cooler side, a bit rainy (for Southern California) and kind of grey outside. I loved it! Wrapping myself in a sweater, I drank tea, listened to Nimrod snore, turned this up, and just felt cozy being inside. I took advantage of the drop in temperature to turn on my oven. Basking in the little waves of heat it gave off felt nice given it’s not always doable in California. Inhaling the aroma of these earthy, slightly sweet beets and rutabaga was heavenly.
Lining up and spiraling out these paper-thin slices of red and gold beets and rutabaga is so relaxing. It allows me to focus on only what’s in front of me, the present moment. This took about 30 minutes to slice and arrange. Or maybe it was more like 45 … I didn’t really time it.
How to arrange these root vegetables in a spiral pattern
Lay alternating slices of the three root vegetables in a strip down your palm in a line. You can press sections of it around the pan, starting around the outside, tipping them upwards at a 120-degree angle. Alternatively, you can also lay these beets down flat, which is a bit easier. Just start your spiral in the center and work your way out, like I did for this ratatouille.
To make the sections really tight, go back and insert leftover slices of root vegetables in between the slices. Once completed, push everything down slightly with the palms of your hands. Place into a 400-degree oven for about an hour and watch it be transformed from this:
To this! You’ll want to oil your pan before adding the mandoline-sliced root vegetables. During th roast time, you’ll want to be generous with another drizzle of oil to prevent burning. Balsamic and fresh thyme are added after the one-hour bake time, then given another 15-minute bake to finish. Serve with fresh focaccia or other crusty bread and a glass of red wine!
Using a Mandoline slicer in this recipe
It’s pretty important to use a mandoline slicer in this recipe. A super-thin slice is going to cook more quickly and evenly than hand cut slice. You can find fancy mandoline slicers with different blades and safety guards. However, it’s not really necessary. I have been using a mandoline slicer I bought for about five dollars at TJ Maxx over a decade ago. It works just fine!
For more beet recipes, check these ideas out!
Salt-Roasted Golden Beets with Teriyaki Sauce and Nori Dust
Roasted Beet Stack with Balsamic Vinegar and Fresh Thyme
Beet Caviar Served Gunkanmaki-Style
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Roasted Root Vegetables
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These roasted root vegetables are visually striking, caramelized and fun to make! Arrange in a spiral pattern and drizzle with olive oil. Finish with balsamic vinegar towards the end to create a deep and rich flavor. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of wine for a light and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized red beets
- 3 medium-sized golden beets
- 3 medium-sized rutabaga
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 TB balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
To prepare the beets
- Scrub the beets and rutabaga. Lop off the ends, and peel away the skin with a Y-Peeler or sharp knife.
- Starting with the rutabaga, use a mandoline slicer and slice them all up. Place in one pile. Repeat the process with the golden beets, and finish with the red beets.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the bottom of a 6.5-inch cast iron skillet.
- Place alternating slices of beets in a straight line down the palm of your hand. I could fix about six at a time. Place them around the edge of the pan in a tight spiral. Keep working until the pan is filled. When you are done, go back and insert extra slices to make the arrangement tight. Once done, slightly press down on the top to make sure all of the slices are wedged in. Drizzle with more of the olive oil, season with some salt and pepper and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 400.
- Once preheated, place the skillet into the oven to bake for an hour, checking on it every 15 minutes to ensure the tops are not burning. Drizzle again with a little more olive oil if any portions of the tops start to look singed.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with the fresh thyme. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve immediately straight out of the pan with crusty bread or focaccia and a glass of red wine.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side
- Method: Sliced, Roasted
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: roasted root vegetables, spiralized vegetables, cast iron vegetables, balsamic roasted vegetables
Barb says
Just had to let you know. This summer I was experiencing “garden wealth.” When searching what to do with all those beets, I found your recipe. My hubby and I were gaga. Shortly after, one of my sons visited (so awesome after 2020). He despises beets. I told him it’s all in the way the beets are treated. And he finally agreed to my experiment with him. He was intrigued by the gorgeous arrangement, which helped entice him to taste it. He looooved it. That was this summer. Now he requested it for Thanksgiving dinner!!!
★★★★★
Tammy says
Mine was no where as beautiful as yours but the flavors were divine. I don’t think my mandolin slices as thinly and likely I didn’t have enough but so easy and everyone loved it. Thank you so much.
erinwyso says
Tammy,
Thanks so much for your feedback! Glad the flavors came through, and I’m so happy to hear that you shared with others and it was enjoyed. <3
Katie says
Giving this a try right now!! My spiral didn’t turn out as nice so we’ll see how it turns out!!
★★★★★
Agness of Run Agness Run says
I must admit I am not a beet lover, especially for their taste. But this recipe seems delicious and I can definitely see myself indulging in it! 🙂
Sue says
I love that first photo! Amazing. 🙂
Ellen Lederman says
This looks gorgeous and I’m sure was delicious. I’m just so impressed with all the time you took to arrange it. Talk about a mindfulness activity! We can be mindful even off our yoga mats and meditation cushions. Erin, maybe you’ve discovered the next mindfulness activity” mindful root veggie arranging!
erinwyso says
Thanks Ellen! Now that you mention it, this did require a mindfulness similar to taking a yoga class. It was very relaxing! 🙂
marinka says
Absolutely amazing. Looks so beautiful. Need to try this.
Lane Anita says
Looks delish! My fav root vegetables altogether. Gotta go to the store today so this can be dinner. Thanks!
Kayse says
This is absolutely stunning and looks too beautiful to eat. Though, I’m sure I could be convinced to dig in haha!
erinwyso says
Thank you! Yeah, it was a little sad to “break” the spiral, but nonetheless very tasty! 😉