Winter Vegetables……especially when roasted, they are so fulfilling, colourful and full of flavour. I love roasted veg, especially on a cold winters night like tonight, I wanted something to warm me up.

Here are a few of my favourites and why:-

Beets—Beets are one of the most overlooked Superfoods.  They lower blood pressure, increase exercise endurance, and reduce inflammation.  They contain potent phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins which give beets their brilliant purple color.  Proanthocyanidins are proven anti-cancer compounds.  They are packed in nutrients like folate which is important to prevent birth defects, potassium which is critical for healthy muscles and nerves, manganese which helps build strong bones, and vitamin C for a strong immune system.

Carrots—Just one carrot contains 13,500 IU of beta carotene which translates into a tremendous amount of nutritional power against free radicals.  Beta carotene is anti-cancerous, prevents cellular damage and premature ageing, and is important to prevent cataracts.

Squash—Squash is rich in beta-carotene, the nutrient that gives squash its brilliant orange-coloured flesh.  Enjoy it cut in half, seeded, and roasted.  Add roasted squash to soups, salads, stews, or in wraps and on sandwiches.  Use grated, raw squash in muffin recipes, in place of zucchini in zucchini bread recipes, or in other baked goods to increase their nutritional value.

Sweet Potatoes—Like squash, sweet potatoes are also high in beta carotene.   They also contain vitamins C, B6, and minerals like blood-building iron, energy-boosting potassium, and Nature’s relaxant, magnesium.  Enjoy them chopped into French fry-shapes, tossed in a little olive oil and sea salt and baked in the oven for about 45 minutes on 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turnips—Turnips are a good source of fibre which helps to keep blood sugar levels steady and stabilize energy and moods.  They also have a rich source that have proven anti-cancer powerhouses.

So tonight I roasted some Sweet Potato, Turnip, Carrot and Beetroot, sprinkled with some olive oil and rosemary, baked in an oven at 220 deg fan for 35 minutes. YUMMY comfort food!  I steamed a piece of Salmon to go with it.