This easy roast swede seasoned with smoky paprika and earthy cumin, is the perfect side dish for your Sunday roast and a whole lot more.
Easy to prepare, it's a tasty way to enjoy this hearty root vegetable, adding a touch of warmth and flavour to any meal! You might also like to try this easy carrot and swede mash!
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Swedes, or rutabagas, are an underrated winter veggie. Beyond their brown exterior lies a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamin C and manganese.
Roasting swedes brings out their earthy, caramelised flavours and this simple swede recipe lets their natural sweetness shine.
Traditionally served mashed, roasting transforms swedes into a new experience. The outside crisps up while the centre stays soft.
I promise it will become your new favorite way to enjoy this humble root vegetable.
👩🍳 Love roasted vegetables? Try my easy roast courgettes during the summer months!
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✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Perfect side dish for Sunday lunch.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Requires only a few ingredients.
- Budget-friendly recipe.
"Made this for the first time the other day and it was amazing! So easy to fit into the schedule for a roast dinner and some real flavour. Will never boil swede again." ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lynne
🛒 Ingredient notes
- Swede - one large whole swede, peeled and diced. Did you know swedes are different to turnips and have a yellowy base and purple top? You can find them in all major supermarkets or at your local farmers markets.
- Olive Oil - use a light olive oil or vegetable oil for roasting.
- Smoked Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
💡 Pro Tip- I love using robust seasonings with swede, but for something a little more paired back, try freshly grated nutmeg, which really complements the sweet flavour of the swede.
🔪 How to roast swede
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post
One: Peel the swede with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife and chop into 2cm dice.
Two: Place the diced swede on a baking tray, drizzle over the oil and sprinkle over the seasoning.
Three: Mix the seasoning in thoroughly with a spoon (or your hands) and place the baking tray in a preheated oven (200c). Bake for 20 minutes.
Four: Take the baking tray out of the oven and give the swede a good shake, before returning to the oven for a further 10-15 minutes, until golden and tender (test with a sharp knife).
Top Tips
- Use a baking tray that is big enough to accommodate the cubed swede in a single layer. This will ensure it cooks evenly and the edges crisp up.
- Cut all pieces the same size (it doesn't have to be measured with a ruler though!) so they finish roasting evenly at the same time.
- If you want larger chunks of swede, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes (and vice versa for smaller cubes).
🍴 Serving suggestions
This easy roasted swede recipe is a delicious root vegetable side dish for roast chicken or roast beef.
I also serve it with creme fraiche chicken as a lower carb alternative to roast potatoes and scatter the cubes over beetroot and goats cheese salad.
📖 Variations
Vary the flavour combinations! Here are a few to try:
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for honey roasted swede.
- Sprinkle with chilli powder and cayenne.
- Try curry powder or garam masala for an indian inspired dish.
- Sprinkle over grated Parmesan cheese at the end of roasting.
- Stir in freshly chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary or oregano.
- Cut the swede into chips instead and make roasted swede chips (rutabaga fries).
🥡 Storage
Store - Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat - Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer. You could also use a microwave but the swede will become quite soft if you use this method.
Freeze - Due to the high water content of swede, it's not suitable for home freezing.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Swede can be eaten raw if it is fresh and young. It's best to shred it into fine pieces and use it in salads and coleslaw.
Peel with a potato peeler or sharp knife then cut into small chunks.
Although swedes and turnips do come from the same family, they are not the same vegetable. Swede's are generally bigger, tougher skinned, with yellow-flesh. Turnips are smaller, with smoother skin and white flesh.”
Yes! Follow this recipe for an easy roast swede side dish.
Roast It: Cut into chunks, drizzle with oil, season with herbs and spices, and roast until golden. It makes a great side dish, especially with meats or in a roast vegetable medley.
Mash It: Boil the swede until tender, then mash it with butter, cream, and seasoning for a creamy, comforting side. You can also mix it with other root vegetables like potatoes or carrots.
Make Swede Chips: Slice the swede into thin strips, coat with oil and your favourite seasonings, and bake until crispy for a healthier alternative to traditional chips.
Add to Soups and Stews: Swede adds body and flavour to soups and stews. Dice it and add it to your favourite recipes, especially in winter for a hearty and warming meal.
Swede Gratin: Layer thin slices of swede with cheese and cream, then bake until bubbly and golden. A delicious twist on the classic potato gratin.
In Salads: Grate raw swede and add it to salads for a crunchy, nutritious ingredient. It pairs well with apples, nuts, and robust salad dressings.
😋 More easy veggie side dishes
- Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Cheesy Leeks
- Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
- Slow Cooker Red Cabbage
- Cauliflower and Broccoli Cheese
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Recipe
Easy Roast Swede Recipe
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Equipment
- Chopping Board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 Swede
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°c (180°fan/ Gas 6)
- Peel the swede with a vegetable peeler or sharp knife and chop into 2cm dice.1 Swede
- Place the diced swede on a baking tray, drizzle over the oil and sprinkle over the seasoning.2 tablespoon Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1 teaspoon Cumin, ¼ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Mix the seasoning in thoroughly with a spoon (or your hands). Bake for 20 minutes.
- Take the baking tray out of the oven and give it a good shake, before returning the swede to the oven for a further 10-15 minutes, until golden and tender (test with a sharp knife).
Claudia Lamascolo
This roast swede was delicious. Easy instructions too!
Jyoti Behrani
These turned out amazing! Easy to make and an excellent side dish. Thanks for sharing!
Toni
My family loved it! Such an amazing side dish!!
Gloria
I love roasted veggies. Rutabaga is always in my stews. Now I will enjoy it this way too. A great alternative to mashed.
Louise
Swede is such an underrated veggie!! I usually make soup with mine, so it was yummy to try out a different recipe.
Lynne
Made this for the first time the other day and it was amazing! So easy to fit into the schedule for a roast dinner and some real flavour. Will never boil swede again