How to make a delicious combination of Mediterranean roasted vegetables, perfect for enjoying immediately or refrigerating/ freezing for later! All you need is 4 vegetables, a little oil, and seasonings for a delicious side or addition to any meal!
Wash the mixed vegetables well and pat them dry. After washing the vegetables, preheat the oven to 410ºF/210ºC.
Chop the zucchini into ½-inch (in thickness) rounds. If the zucchini is particularly large, then you can first chop it in half lengthwise, then slice.Chop the eggplant into ½-inch wedges. To do this, first slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, then chop each of those sections in half once more, then slice across to make the wedges.For the peppers, I chop around the stem first to pull that out and de-seed them. Then roughly slice into pieces that are around 1-inch in size.For the onions, I simply chop them into rough wedges (skin still on) for roasting. If you prefer, you can peel the skin before roasting - just make sure they’re in fairly large pieces; otherwise, they’ll brown too quickly.
Step 2: Season the vegetables
Spread the chopped vegetables across a large baking tray in a single layer (you may need multiple trays). Then drizzle over the olive oil and add the seasonings.Using your hands, toss the vegetables to coat them in the oil and seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Roast the Mediterranean vegetables
Roast the vegetables in the oven for between 25-30 minutes, or until they are softened and lightly browned on top.You can toss/turn them once halfway if preferred, though I’ve found I love the results regardless, without adding that extra step.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool just enough until you’re able to handle them. Peel off the skin from the onion and then either use them immediately or save for later.
How to Store Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
Make ahead: feel free to marinate the chopped vegetables in the seasonings and oil for several hours (up to 6), covered, in the refrigerator before roasting. Fridge: allow the vegetables to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a week. Freezer: it’s best to freeze the (cooled) vegetables in a single layer on a large tray until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container/ bag- that way, they won’t freeze in a single clump of veggies. Once frozen, store for up to 2 months.Reheat: you can add the vegetables directly into your dish (pasta and bakes, etc.) to heat up, or heat them first on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Notes
Chop the veggies evenly: try to chop the veggies fairly evenly in size, so they roast evenly. You can use a mandoline to make sure all your pieces are the same thickness.
For smaller pieces: feel free to slice the veggies slightly thinner if preferred. However, adjust the roasting time accordingly. I don’t recommend slicing the zucchini or eggplant too thin (below ¼-inch), though, or they can become ‘floppy’/mushy.
Check on the veggies: depending on how you’ve sliced them and your particular oven, the roasting time can vary. For that reason, I recommend checking on them at the 20-minute mark.
Using a grill: during the summer months, grilled Mediterranean vegetables are a delicious way to continue enjoying this dish. However, you may need to slice lengthwise with the zucchini/eggplant or use a grill pan (so they don’t fall through the grill). This method can take between 7-15 minutes.
Cook in a single layer: it’s best to cook the Mediterranean roast veg in a single layer (not overlapping); otherwise, they can end up quite soggy and won’t have slightly crispy edges.
Using fresh herbs: if you plan on serving the Mediterranean roasted vegetables immediately, then the addition of finely chopped fresh herbs is delicious when paired with this selection of Med veg. Basil, mint, parsley, etc.
Optional add-ins and variationsThere are several ways you can adapt this recipe for Mediterranean vegetables, including additional veggies, seasonings, and more!
Other seasonings: feel free to swap out the seasonings based on how you plan to serve them. Za’atar, sumac, rosemary, Italian Seasoning, and even a little cumin would all work.
Garlic: add as much or as little as you like; I like adding a lot!
Balsamic: a little drizzle of balsamic over the Mediterranean veg before roasting helps to add a sweet and tart depth of flavor to the dish.
For spice: add a little chili or cayenne powder. This isn’t traditional for Mediterranean roast vegetables but tastes delicious.
Tomatoes: because of how much they soften while roasting, I don’t always include tomatoes. However, if you do, I recommend using cherry/grape tomatoes. I roast them on the vine, so they hold their shape better.
Lemon: there are a couple of ways you can introduce lemon to this Mediterranean recipe. First, you can add lemon slices to the pan while roasting; they will caramelize wonderfully and make for a perfect garnish to tons of meals. You could also (or alternatively) add lemon juice and zest to help season the vegetables.
Other vegetables: whether you want to remain authentically Mediterranean with your veg selection or not, feel free to use others with similar roasting times; mushrooms, carrots, artichoke, even new potatoes (par-boiled first).