Roasting 101

A time saver in the kitchen

Are you new to roasting?  You may have avoided it because for many, their only exposure to roasting is turkey on Thanksgiving day - which let’s face it, takes hours and sounds daunting!  But the truth is roasting is a relatively hands-off way to cook fruits, vegetables and proteins which allows you to do more of the other things the holiday season requires of you! 

With your trusty sheet pan and oven, you can roast almost anything.  From nectarines and potatoes to broccoli, tomatoes and chicken breasts - simply toss food with seasonings and olive oil and roast until browned and cooked through.  The flavors will concentrate, excess water will cook off and you’ll be left with a tasty meal that practically cooked itself! 

When roasting vegetables, preheat your oven to 400 F first!  Place your sheet pan inside to allow it to warm up for at least 10 minutes.  Once your protein and vegetables of choice are seasoned and coated in olive oil, remove the preheated pan and add your foods.  (This step helps to create that brown outer crust that we all desire from roasted veggies).  Cook for about 30 minutes or until proteins is cooked to the proper internal temperature (chicken should be 165F) and viola!  Dinner is done! 

If this sounds enticing, you need to check out these roasting recipes: 

·       Roasted Red Pepper and Crab Chowder

·       Caramelized Pear, Roasted Tomato and Lentil Salad

·       Roasted Pear & Pomegranate Salad

·       Slow Roasted Herbed Whole Cauliflower

·       Little Boo Brussels Sprouts Bites

·       Easy 5-Ingredient Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan

·       Dole Gourmet Roasted Vegetable Pizza

For an easier transition into roasting try Dole’s new Sheet pan Kits!  

Published November 1, 2022