Roasted Sausage & Root Veg Traybake for Chilly Evenings

A beautiful sweet, seasonal tray bake for an easy weeknight meal

It was Riverford Delivery day here and with it comes a whole host of yummy ingredients, and sometimes some new seasonal veg to try. We always get the UK Seasonal Organic box from Riverford, and love trialling new recipes with yummy fresh, organic ingredients.

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, oven-roasted meal to bring warmth and comfort to your home. This Roasted Sausages with Jerusalem Artichokes, Carrots & Parsnips recipe is the perfect blend of rustic simplicity and deep, rich flavours. It’s an easy, one-pan dish that allows the natural sweetness of root vegetables to shine while the sausages add a satisfying, savoury depth. Best of all? It requires minimal effort and makes your kitchen smell incredible while it bakes.

This dish is an ideal weeknight dinner or weekend comfort meal, as it requires very little preparation but delivers huge on flavour. The combination of roasted root vegetables and sizzling sausages creates a beautiful contrast of textures, with crispy caramelized edges and a tender, juicy centre. Plus, the natural sugars in the vegetables enhance their sweetness, making every bite deliciously moreish.

Beyond its taste and convenience, this meal is also an excellent way to incorporate more seasonal eating into your routine. Eating seasonally means choosing produce that is naturally available during a particular time of year, which ensures you get the best quality ingredients while also reducing the environmental impact of out-of-season imports. This traybake is a celebration of winter’s best produce, offering deep, earthy flavours that feel wholesome and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless & Delicious – Simply toss everything onto a baking tray, and let the oven do the work!

• Perfect for Seasonal Eating – Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, and parsnips are at their best in colder months, making this dish an ideal way to eat with the seasons.

• Minimal Cleanup – One tray means fewer dishes, so you can enjoy a cosy meal without the extra work.

• Great for Batch Cooking – Make extra portions and enjoy leftovers for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.

• Versatile & Adaptable – You can switch up the ingredients based on your availability, making it a flexible recipe for any occasion.

• Budget-Friendly – Seasonal produce is often more affordable, making this dish an economical choice for families.

The Importance of Eating Seasonally

Eating seasonally is a wonderful way to connect with nature, support local farmers, and ensure you’re getting the freshest, most flavourful produce available. Seasonal vegetables are often more nutrient-dense, having been harvested at their peak ripeness rather than stored for long periods.

During winter, root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, and Jerusalem artichokes thrive in the colder months, making them a natural fit for warming, hearty meals. Not only do they offer an incredible depth of flavour, but they also provide essential vitamins and minerals to support immunity and overall wellbeing.

By choosing seasonal produce, you’re also making a more sustainable choice. Locally grown ingredients reduce the carbon footprint associated with long haul transportation, and eating seasonally encourages biodiversity by supporting a variety of crops throughout the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 sausages (pork, chicken, or your choice)

• 300g Jerusalem artichokes, scrubbed and cut into chunks

• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• 2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional, for a caramelized touch)

• 1 sprig of rosemary or thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. In a large roasting tray, pop in the Jerusalem artichokes, carrots, parsnips with coconut oil, herbs, salt and pepper.

3. Nestle the sausages among the vegetables, allowing them to slightly touch the tray for a good sear. This helps develop a rich, crispy texture on the outside of the sausages while keeping them juicy inside.

4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping the sausages halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through and the vegetables are caramelized and tender.

5. About 15 minutes before the end, add in your honey or maple syrup.

6. Serve hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added richness.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Peel and slice potatoes and throw in the pan for a complete one pan meal.

• Add red onion wedges for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Swap the sausages for vegetarian alternatives to make it plant-based.

• A drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch.

• Pair with mashed potatoes or polenta for an extra comforting meal.

• If you love a little heat, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavour.

• Serve with a dollop of grainy mustard or horseradish sauce for a bold, tangy contrast.

• Leftovers can be repurposed into a hearty breakfast hash the next morning by frying everything up in a skillet and topping it with a fried or poached egg.

• Toss in some Brussels sprouts or cabbage for extra seasonal goodness.

• Roast the sausages separately for an extra crispy texture, then combine with the vegetables before serving.

Making the Most of This Recipe

One of the joys of simple meals like this traybake is their ability to let you slow down and truly appreciate what you’re eating. Rather than rushing through a complicated recipe, this dish encourages you to embrace a slower approach to cooking and eating.

Cooking and eating seasonally isn’t just about taste, it’s a way to bring more mindfulness and connection to the food on your plate. Each ingredient tells a story of the changing seasons, reminding us to embrace the natural rhythms of the earth.

This roasted sausage and root veg traybake is the perfect answer to chilly evenings when you want something nourishing and satisfying with minimal fuss. It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl warming, simple, and full of seasonal goodness.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, yet it never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal time in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that lets you slow down, savour the moment, and truly enjoy the comforting flavours of the season.

Let me know if you try it, and enjoy your cosy feast!