Pear Spice Vanilla Roasted Medley (Printable Version)
Fragrant root vegetables and pears roasted with warming spices and vanilla for a sweet-savory side dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Root Vegetables
01 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
03 - 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
04 - 1 small golden beet, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Fruit
05 - 2 ripe but firm pears, cored and cut into wedges
→ Spices & Aromatics
06 - 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped or 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
07 - 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
10 - ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
11 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Liquids & Fats
13 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
14 - 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and golden beet with 2 tablespoons olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Arrange seasoned root vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
04 - While vegetables roast, gently toss pear wedges in the same bowl with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla seeds or extract.
05 - Remove baking sheet from oven, add pears to vegetables, and gently stir to combine. Return to oven and roast for an additional 18 to 20 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden, and pears are caramelized.
06 - Transfer the medley to a serving platter and garnish optionally with extra cinnamon or fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a cozy autumn afternoon with a friend, wrapped in the scent of vanilla and warm spices.
- This medley became a favorite because it transforms humble roots and fruit into something elegant and comforting.
02 -
- Using ripe but firm pears is key to keeping their texture intact after roasting.
- Splitting the vanilla bean and scraping the seeds releases a richer flavor than using extract alone.
03 -
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; giving the veggies space ensures even roasting and caramelization.
- The combination of vanilla and warm spices is subtle but transformative—it’s what makes this recipe feel special every time.