Broiled Root Vegetables with Fennel

We have been eating a lot of root vegetables. It might seem monotonous to eat the same veggies several times a week, but it is amazing how subtle changes can alter the flavor and make for a more interesting menu.

Fennel has a very mild anise or licorice flavor. Don’t be scared by this if you don’t like licorice. Hate is a strong word, but I really, really, really don’t like black licorice! However, I enjoy fennel when mixed with sweet vegetables. I combined the fennel with sweet potatoes, turnips, and a leek, which has a sweet and mild onion flavor. Carrots and beets would also work well in this dish.

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes, chopped
3 red potatoes, chopped
2 medium turnips, chopped
1 leek, thinly sliced
2 bulb fennel, sliced 1/4” thick
1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon basil
2 teaspoons parsley

Directions:

Preheat oven to broil. Brush or spray a cookie sheet with olive oil.

Place vegetables on the cookie sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and toss. Sprinkle spices over vegetables and toss again.

Broil 4” from the heat source for 10 minutes. Add a splash more oil and toss and broil for another 8 – 10 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender.

My apologies to the Plain White T’s for misusing a line from their song Hate (I Really Don’t Like You). I know I have a sick sense of humor, but that song cracks me up. Their song 1,2,3,4 seems a more appropriate accompaniment for this sweet dish. I sing it all the time to my little sous chef:

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