The Roast Potato Substitute For A More Keto-Friendly Option

Roast potatoes are a delicious and filling complement to most dinners — and don't confuse them with baked potatoes, because there is a key temperature difference between baking and roasting — but they are a nightmare for anyone avoiding carbs. A large potato contains approximately 63 grams of carbohydrates. Those following the ketogenic, or keto, diet aim for low daily carbohydrates of between 20 to 50 grams. You can see where potatoes might be a macro buster! Some folks like to roast whole sweet potatoes with water as a lower-carb option, but the 27 grams of carbs in a sweet potato are still far too much for many keto adherents.

Luckily, there's an equally yummy, somewhat offbeat substitute for potatoes just across the root vegetable aisle and just begging to be roasted: radishes. A whole cup of raw radish has just two net carbs, which is calculated by subtracting the amount of dietary fiber from the total amount of carbohydrates. What does this mean for you? Well, if you are livin' la vida keto, you can enjoy a hefty amount of succulent roasted radishes in lieu of those oh-so-carby spuds. The normally peppery flavor of radishes is greatly muted by the roasting process, leaving veg that is creamy, savory, and absolutely worthy of a place at your dinner table.

Even the greenest home cooks can roast radishes with ease. All you need is a lined baking sheet, some oil, and any seasonings your heart desires. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the radishes in half and throw in a bowl with olive oil, a few tablespoons of melted butter (our pick for the best butter brand at the grocery store would be a great choice here), and, at the very least, some salt and pepper. Toss the radishes to coat, then roast them for 45 minutes, giving the pan a shake halfway through the cooking time. If the radishes aren't pierced easily with a fork, let them cook for a few minutes longer. Should you want to kick your radishes up a notch, mix in some grated parmesan cheese, garlic, rosemary, thyme, or other savory herbs to create luscious roasted roots that would put potatoes to shame.

Serve your roasted radishes alongside some juicy grilled meat for a dinner that is long on protein, or mix them into a nice salad for a hearty bite that can be vegan if you avoid the butter and cheese. You may find these bright veggies so pleasant and appealing that you swap them for potatoes even when you aren't watching carbs!