Jerk-Spiced Hasselback Root Vegetables
Hasselback root vegetables roasted with a warm, spicy maple and rum rub. A showy Christmas side dish that serves 8 and needs just one tray.
Roasted root vegetables are cozy, but these ones are exciting. The thin cuts catch the spicy-sweet glaze, and the edges turn crisp while the middle stays soft. I like bringing a tray of these to the table because it looks impressive and tastes great.
Saúl’s Tip
Place each vegetable between two wooden spoons or chopsticks before you slice. The handles stop the knife before it goes all the way through.
Tips for Success
- Use vegetables of similar thickness so they cook at the same speed.
- Wear gloves when you seed the jalapeños.
- Cut parsnips and beets a bit thinner than carrots, since they are denser.
- Beets stain, so roast them on one side of the pan if you want to keep colors apart.
Make-Ahead and Storage
The rub keeps in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Cut the vegetables the morning of cooking and keep them covered. Leftovers keep for 3 days and reheat well in a 400°F oven.
Variations
- Stir a spoonful of the rub into mayonnaise for a quick dip.
- Add sweet potatoes or small turnips to the pan.
- Use brown sugar in place of the maple syrup.
- No alcohol? Replace the rum with apple juice, or use a little extra cider vinegar plus a splash of water.
Jerk-Spiced Hasselback Root Vegetables
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Scrub the vegetables well. Peel and halve the onions. Halve or quarter the larger vegetables and leave small carrots whole.
- Make thin cuts across each piece, about ¼ inch apart. Do not cut all the way through.
- To stop the knife, rest each piece between the handles of two wooden spoons. This is the hasselback method.
- Put the vegetables in a large roasting pan.
- Blend the garlic, shallots, jalapeños, bay leaves, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, thyme, chives, 1 tbsp oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Add the maple syrup, vinegar and rum. Blend again until smooth.
- Spoon half of the rub over the vegetables. Add the remaining 2 tbsp oil and toss until coated.
- Roast for 1 hour. Shake the pan halfway through.
- The vegetables are done when golden and tender in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hasselback mean?
Hasselback means slicing a vegetable into thin cuts without cutting through the bottom. The cuts fan open as it roasts and soak up flavor.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the rum with apple juice or more cider vinegar plus a splash of water. The rub will be a little less deep but still tasty.
How spicy is it?
It is mildly warm with two jalapeños. Leave the seeds in or add a third pepper for more heat.
