Growing up, I can still remember the first time my mom made her famous Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake. The aroma of the caramelized kohlrabi, roasted to perfection with a touch of garlic and herbs, would fill the entire house. It was like a cozy hug from the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Even as a kid, I loved the unique, slightly sweet flavor of the kohlrabi – it was like a cross between a potato and a cabbage, but with a delightful crunch.
Nowadays, I can’t get enough of this simple yet incredibly satisfying Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake. It’s become a go-to side dish in my household, one that I can always count on to bring a touch of comfort and warmth to any meal. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, with minimal prep and hands-off cooking time.
Why This Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake
The secret to this Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake lies in the technique. By tossing the kohlrabi chunks in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs, you create a flavor-packed base that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The high heat and even distribution on a large baking sheet ensure that every piece of kohlrabi comes out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside – the perfect balance of textures. Plus, the addition of a touch of lemon juice at the end adds a bright, tangy note that really makes the flavors pop.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Kohlrabi: The star of the show, of course! Look for firm, vibrant kohlrabi bulbs with fresh, green leaves attached.
- Olive oil: This helps the kohlrabi pieces crisp up and ensures even browning.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful savory depth to the dish.
- Herbs: A blend of fresh or dried herbs, like thyme, rosemary, and oregano, complements the kohlrabi perfectly.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake Instructions
Preparing Your Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake
Preheating your oven to a high temperature is key for achieving that perfect roasted texture on the Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake. With just a few simple steps and about 40 minutes of hands-off cooking time, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing side dish ready to enjoy.
1- Start by trimming the leaves and stems from the kohlrabi, then peel and cut the bulbs into 1-inch cubes.
2- In a large bowl, toss the kohlrabi cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, and a blend of fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
3- Spread the seasoned kohlrabi pieces in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they have plenty of space to roast.
4- Roast the kohlrabi in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until they’re tender and starting to caramelize at the edges.
5- Remove the Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake from the oven and drizzle with a bit of fresh lemon juice, tossing gently to coat.
6- Transfer the roasted kohlrabi to a serving dish and enjoy hot as a side or as part of a larger meal.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake is to make sure the kohlrabi pieces are evenly cut and spread out on the baking sheet. This allows for optimal browning and crisping. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as that can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Additionally, be sure to keep an eye on the kohlrabi towards the end of the cooking time. You want it to be tender and caramelized, but not burnt. Adjust the oven temperature or cooking time as needed to achieve your desired level of doneness.
Serving and Storing Your Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake
Perfect Pairings for Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake
This Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake makes an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses, from roasted chicken or pork to grilled fish or steak. It also pairs beautifully with hearty stews, braises, or even as a topping for salads. For a complete meal, consider serving the Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake alongside some crusty bread, a fresh green salad, and a glass of your favorite white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the kohlrabi pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the seasoned kohlrabi in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roast. When it’s time to cook, simply toss the kohlrabi with the oil and herbs and proceed with the roasting instructions.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake
Creative Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake Variations
While the classic Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own. Try adding diced bacon or pancetta for a smoky, savory twist, or toss in some cubed sweet potatoes or carrots for extra color and sweetness. You can also experiment with different herb blends, such as Italian seasoning or za’atar, to change up the flavor profile.
Making Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this dish, simply ensure that all your seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply omit the lemon juice or use a vegan-friendly substitute. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake, you can reduce the amount of kohlrabi and mix in some roasted cauliflower or zucchini instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen kohlrabi for this recipe?
A: While fresh kohlrabi is best for achieving the perfect texture, you can use frozen kohlrabi in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely, pat it dry, and adjust the roasting time as needed to ensure it crisps up nicely.
Q: How long should I roast the kohlrabi?
A: The Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake should roast for 30-35 minutes at 400°F, flipping the pieces halfway through. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure the kohlrabi is tender and caramelized, but not burnt.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the seasoned kohlrabi up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roast. When it’s time to cook, simply toss the kohlrabi with the oil and herbs and proceed with the roasting instructions.
Q: How many servings does this Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 4-6 servings, depending on the size of your kohlrabi bulbs and how you plan to serve it. As a side dish, it should comfortably serve 4-6 people.
Q: What should I do if the kohlrabi isn’t browning as much as I’d like?
A: If the kohlrabi isn’t achieving the desired level of caramelization, try increasing the oven temperature by 25°F and roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes. You can also try tossing the kohlrabi pieces in a bit more olive oil before roasting to help them brown.
Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the secrets to making a mouthwatering Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake in just 30 minutes! This easy, veggie-packed dish features tender, caramelized kohlrabi tossed in a simple blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Enjoy it as a delicious and healthy side or vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs kohlrabi, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – In a large bowl, toss the cubed kohlrabi with the olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. – Spread the seasoned kohlrabi in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
4. – Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the kohlrabi halfway, until tender and golden brown.
5. – Serve hot as a side dish or vegetarian main course.
Notes
For extra crispy kohlrabi, try broiling the traybake for the last 2-3 minutes. You can also add other roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to the mix.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake is truly a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a new household favorite. With its incredible flavor, crispy texture, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect side dish to complement a wide variety of main courses. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a stunning side for a special occasion, this Roasted Kohlrabi Traybake is sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!