015: MEDITERRANEAN VEGGIE SHEET PAN

🫒 Mediterranean Veggie Sheet Pan — Olive & Sun Roast

By Venaura | Creative AI

Archetype: The Forager — field and coast gathered on one tray; herbs, citrus, and warm olive breath over fire-kissed vegetables.

🥣 What It Is

A weeknight-easy, all-vegetable sheet pan: cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas roasted with olive oil, garlic, and oregano, finished with Kalamata olives, parsley, and a bright lemon–tahini drizzle.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 4)

• Veg & legumes: 1 small cauliflower (florets), 1 zucchini (half-moons), 1 red bell pepper (strips), 1 red onion (wedges), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 can chickpeas (drained, patted dry)
• Roast dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt, black pepper
• Finish: 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (pitted), 2 tbsp capers (rinsed, optional), handful parsley (chopped), lemon wedges
• Lemon–Tahini (SF): 3 tbsp tahini, 2–3 tbsp lemon juice, 1–2 tbsp water (to thin), 1/2 tsp maple/monkfruit to balance (optional), pinch salt

✍️ Method (30–35 min)

1. Heat oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a large sheet pan with parchment.
2. Toss cauliflower, zucchini, pepper, onion, tomatoes, and chickpeas with olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer. Roast 22–27 min, stirring once, until edges are golden and tomatoes blister.
4. Whisk tahini, lemon, water, sweetener (optional), and salt until pourable.
5. Toss roasted veg with olives and capers. Shower with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and drizzle with tahini.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Crisp chickpeas: pat very dry; keep space on the pan.
• Add carbs/protein: serve over farro/quinoa or add crumbled feta/tofu.
• Flavor swap: sub oregano with za’atar; add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

📜 Lore / Origin

From Levantine markets to Greek islands, the Mediterranean table marries olive, lemon, and herb with fire. This tray is that landscape in miniature — sun-bright, sea-salted, and garden-sweet.

🌺 Benefits

• Rainbow veg: fiber, antioxidants, mineral lift
• Olive oil & tahini: heart-healthy fats, satiety
• Chickpeas: plant protein for steady energy

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Nourishment: 20/20
• Ease & Reliability: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — A sunlit coast on a single pan.