Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C // use convection if you have it to speed cook time!) and position one rack near the top of the oven and another rack in the top/center of the oven. Also line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Chop root vegetables and thinly slice leek (be sure to rinse away any residual dirt) and add to one of the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary and toss to coat (see photo).

Step 3

Spread in an even layer and place on the bottom rack of the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender, slightly caramelized, and golden brown. Flip/toss near the 15-minute mark to ensure even cooking.

Step 4

Add your rinsed, dried chickpeas to a medium mixing bowl and top with oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and crushed garlic (garlic optional). Toss to combine, then add to one half of the other prepared baking sheet (the croutons will go on the other side later). Place in the oven on the top/center rack, and bake for ~20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5

In the meantime, prepare dressing by adding tahini, grainy mustard, lemon juice (starting with lesser amount), apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (starting with lesser amount), and salt and pepper, and whisk to combine. Add water until pourable.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon for brightness/acidity, apple cider vinegar for tanginess, maple syrup for sweetness, salt or pepper to taste, or mustard for zestiness. Set aside.

Step 7

To the same mixing bowl used for the chickpeas, add your cubed bread and toss with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Add to the other half of the baking sheet with the chickpeas and bake for ~8-10 minutes, or until toasty and golden brown.

Step 8

Add chopped kale (or other greens) to a large mixing bowl (option to dress with a bit of lemon juice, salt, and pepper and massage for 1-2 minutes for more tender texture / improved digestibility). Then top with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and croutons. Add half of the dressing, toss, and reserve the other half for serving.

Step 9

Best when fresh, but if saving for later, store all parts separately — especially the dressing and croutons — to keep from getting soggy.
 Dressing will keep for 5-7 days. Croutons will keep loosely covered at room temperature for ~2 days. Salad will keep for 2-3 days. Not freezer friendly.