Meal inspiration isn’t always easy to come but a traybake is a good place to start when you’ve got an odd mix of ingredients to hand.
Loved for the ease of throwing everything into one dish, they also lend themselves to being delicious and healthy by working a range of vegetables into the recipe, like this one by Phil Bianchi, food and favour expert from The Gift of Oil.
Speaking exclusively with Express.co.uk, he said: “This root vegetable traybake with halloumi is the perfect summer recipe and makes a great side if you’re hosting a BBQ this summer. As the traybake is so simple to make, it’s also easy to change the flavours by using different vegetables.
“If you’re a meat lover – you can even add some chicken too. Why not experiment with the flavours even more and use different infused olive oils and infused balsamics – if you like a bit of spice, drizzle over some chilli-infused olive oil. Whatever flavour you’re looking for, this recipe makes the perfect meal that the whole family can enjoy!”
There’s one unusual addition to the recipe too, which is well worth a try to level up the flavour of the vegetables.
Method
As with every traybake, a hot oven is essential. First, preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas 6.
Now cut the root vegetables into bite-sized pieces along with the peppers, broccoli and cauliflower.
Spread the chickpeas and the veg, excluding the courgette, out on a large roasting tray, drizzle with three tablespoons of basil-infused olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
Toss well to coat then roast for 10 minutes, then add courgette and roast for a further 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and coloured.
Cut the halloumi into 2cm pieces and scatter over the vegetables. Switch the oven to grill, increase the temperature and grill for five to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and golden.
Combine the apple with the roasted veggies, and stir through the spinach. Finally, mix the pesto with the remaining basil olive oil and the caramelised onion balsamic, then drizzle over to serve.
If using meat, cook it off with the root vegetables from the beginning. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it is cooked through.
Alternatively, add chorizo for a meaty twist without having to wait longer. Just add it at the same time as the halloumi.
