Most people think the drawer under their stove is just for storage, but it often serves as a warming drawer. This feature is designed to keep food warm at a low temperature until it’s ready to be served, making it an excellent tool for multi-course meals or meal prepping. This recipe takes advantage of the warming drawer to ensure that your roasted vegetables stay perfectly warm and ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting at this temperature helps caramelize the vegetables while keeping them tender.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, and broccoli florets.
- Season the Vegetables: Drizzle olive oil over them and toss gently. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even texture.
- Check for Doneness: The vegetables should be tender with slightly charred edges. Remove them from the oven and transfer them to a heatproof serving dish.
- Utilize the Warming Drawer: Place the dish in the warming drawer below your stove. This keeps the vegetables warm without overcooking them, perfect for serving later.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once ready to eat, remove the dish from the warming drawer and serve alongside your favorite main course.
Why Use the Warming Drawer?
Many people overlook this hidden feature of their stove, but a warming drawer can be invaluable in a kitchen. It keeps food warm without drying it out or cooking it further, unlike leaving it in an oven on low heat. It’s especially useful when preparing meals with multiple components, allowing everything to be served hot together.
Tips for the Best Roasted Vegetables:
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil enhances flavor and helps create that crispy, caramelized texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Overlapping vegetables can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
- Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Tossing in some fresh parsley or basil gives an extra burst of freshness.
By using the warming drawer wisely, you can ensure a perfect balance between keeping food warm and preserving its original taste and texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or prepping for a family meal, this hidden feature of your stove can make a significant difference. Now, are you tempted to test out your warming drawer for this recipe?