Fireside Paleo Side Dish (Printable)
Rustic roasted root vegetables with smoky bacon and fresh herbs, perfect for a hearty paleo accompaniment.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
03 - 1 large parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
04 - 1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges
→ Meats
05 - 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Spices & Seasonings
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Fresh Herbs
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnip, and red onion in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until vegetables are evenly coated.
03 - Spread vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter bacon pieces evenly over the top.
04 - Roast for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time. Vegetables should be tender with caramelized edges and bacon should be crispy.
05 - Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Bacon fat and roasted vegetables create their own magic, practically basting themselves in the oven while you do something else
- Everything cooks on one sheet pan, and the minimal cleanup means you actually want to make this on busy weeknights
02 -
- Don't overcrowd the pan or vegetables will steam instead of roast, so use two pans if needed
- Stirring halfway through prevents the bottom vegetables from burning and helps everything cook evenly
03 -
- If your bacon is particularly lean, drizzle an extra tablespoon of oil over the vegetables before roasting
- Let the pan sit for five minutes after removing from the oven so the vegetables firm up slightly and are easier to serve