CSA Day: Roasted Beets, Leeks and Eggplant Recipe and Other Tasty Ideas

I love the taste of roasted leeks. Almost smoky … and so tender, with a hint of crisp. Then there’s the roasted beets, they get this beautiful sweetness to them. But the roasted eggplant? The crispy caramelization on the outside and creamy inside was sublime. As far as eggplant recipes go, this is a new fav. And the whole dish is infused with the roasted garlic which makes it all the better.

Roasted vegetables are really divine. I loved this dish. This roasted vegetables recipe is a perfect side dish for the chilly evenings we’ve been having. Unfortunately, the kids were less enthused. They both enjoyed the roasted beets in this dish, but were mixed on the other veggies. Shawn wouldn’t try it. Oh well. Can’t win every time, right?

Sadly, this week there were no beets, leeks or eggplant in the CSA box. But if you have leftovers from last week, then this is a great recipe to make. Or, you could just buy the ingredients and make it. Heck, I might do that.

Wondering what to do with the produce that was in your box? Try these recipes:

Tomatoes (the big slicing ones): Heirloom Tomatoes with Blue Cheese Dressing
Cherry Tomatoes: Whole Wheat Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
Summer Squash: Grilled Summer Squash with Tomatoes, Garlic and Scallions
Corn: Balsamic Tomato, Corn and Cucumber Panzanella
Cabbage: Classic Coleslaw (with a twist)

Now, onto the delicious recipe for roasted veggies …

Garlicky Roasted Beets, Leeks and Eggplant
serves 4

1 bunch leeks, halved, washed well and cut into 2″ chunks
1 bunch beets, washed and cut into 1″ chunks
1 eggplant, cut into 1″ chunks
6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 tbsp olive oil
sea salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil (or heavy duty aluminum foil spayed with cooking oil spray).

Combine the leeks, beets, eggplant and garlic on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir well.

Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove from the oven and stir well. Return to the oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.