Root Veggie Roast

Makes 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

6 ounces grated pecorino romano, manchego, or other salty hard cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, chives, and sage
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound golden beets (about 1), thinly sliced
1 pound sweet potatoes (about 1 light and 1 dark – what most people call a yam), thinly sliced
1/4 pound large parsnips thinly sliced
1 cup leek, thinly sliced
2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Assorted fresh herbs (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl toss together cheese and chopped herbs; set aside. Using a non-stick spray or olive oil spray, coat a 2 qt. rectangular baking dish. Mix half of the cheese and all of the other ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Try to evenly coat the veggies with oil and cheese. Arrange the veggies in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese.
2. Cover with foil. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Remove foil. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Continue baking, uncovered, 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
3. Remove from oven. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs. Let stand 10 minutes.

**The beet is in the amaranth family. The most recognized variety is the red root vegetable known as the garden beet. However, other varieties include the leaf vegetables chard and spinach beet, as well as the root vegetables sugar beet, which is important in the production of granulated sugar.
*The color of red beetroot is caused by betalain pigments. Most other red plants, such as red cabbage, contain anthocyanin pigments. The composition of different betalain pigments can vary, giving breeds of beetroot a different degrees of redness. Thus, beets range in color from yellow to a familiar deep red. Betacyanin in beetroot may cause red urine in some people who are unable to break it down. This is called beeturia.

Recipe by Cristina Paul