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Smoke-Roasted Rustic Root Vegetables

These smoke-roasted rustic root vegetables offer a sophisticated twist on traditional roasted sides, bringing a deep, woody complexity to humble kitchen staples. By using indirect heat and wood chips on the grill, the carrots and potatoes develop a tender interior and a beautifully infused smoky flavour that is impossible to achieve in a standard oven. It is a simple yet effective way to elevate seasonal produce with very little preparation required.

This versatile vegan dish works exceptionally well as a plant-based main or a robust accompaniment to grilled proteins. The combination of earthy russet potatoes and naturally sweet carrots makes it a crowd-pleasing option for outdoor gatherings and autumn barbecues. Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley and a drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to brighten the savoury, smoky notes.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Smoke-Roasted Rustic Root Vegetables

  • 2 large carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 2 medium-size unpeeled russet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 2 medium-size unpeeled sweet potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

How to make Smoke-Roasted Rustic Root Vegetables

  1. Toss the vegetables with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the mixture on an 8 x 12-inch piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil or in a disposable aluminum pan.

  2. Fill your charcoal chimney with briquets, set the chimney on the bottom grill grate, and light, or prepare a fire in your smoker. For a gas grill, turn half the burners to medium.

  3. When the coals are ready, dump them into the bottom of your grill, and spread them evenly across half. Scatter the wood chips on the hot coals or place them in a metal container as close as possible to a burner on a gas grill. Place the vegetables on the indirect-heat side. Close the lid.

  4. Smoke at 177°C for 45 to 60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the vegetables have a good, smoky aroma. Transfer the vegetables to a platter, drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired, and garnish with the chopped parsley.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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