This Baking Staple Is The Best Way To Sweeten Roasted Veggies
When it comes to easygoing side dishes, it's hard to beat a pan of roasted vegetables. Avoid common mistakes while preparing the food, and you'll have the assembly process down to a tee. And perhaps you've already tried out new seasonings, vegetable combos, and more, but still want a little extra magic.
Well, reach for an ingredient that's likely already in your pantry: vanilla extract. The baking staple may seem like an unorthodox move in a savory side, but it adds a special touch. The secret lies in its enhancement of caramelization. Roasting caramelizes sugars; which is why roasted vegetables taste sweeter. The vanilla will work to further enhance such a sweet flavor. Plus, the extract is alcohol based, which will evaporate under heat and lead to even more crisping. Add the two effects together, and it's wondrous what a small amount will achieve. So, drip on a little vanilla extract, and sample the reinvented dish.
Flavor and caramelize roasted vegetables with vanilla extract
Cut up a colorful variety of components, add some seasonings, and throw into the oven; roasted vegetable preparation is a streamlined process. Integrating the vanilla extract only adds one additional step, with a small amount of liquid required. You'll only need around two teaspoons of the flavoring per tray. Simply toss the veggies in the extract prior to baking, and you're ready to go.
For the best effect, use roasted vegetables higher in sugar — the extract will meld more naturally when there's some intrinsic sweetness. In addition to sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, and parsnips are all roasted ingredients that'll combine with a dash of vanilla. And with more savory ingredients, you can always integrate the ingredient into a marinade.
Furthermore, don't forget to leave out oil to attain a delightful caramelized crust. Your roasted veggies will taste way better as a result of dry-roasting, since the oil won't block escaping moisture. This will allow the alcohol to evaporate to full effect, crafting a crispy and flavorful tray.