Smashed Mixed Root Vegetables

• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1/2 bunch thyme sprigs
2. 3 bay leaves
3. 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
4. 1 teaspoon whole cloves
5. 5 pounds mixed root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, Yukon Gold potatoes, sweet potatoes and rutabagas—peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
6. 1 large Spanish onion, coarsely chopped
7. 8 garlic cloves, smashed
8. 1 cup dry white wine
9. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10. 1 tablespoon maple syrup
11. Salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Wrap the thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns and cloves in a piece of cheesecloth and secure with kitchen string. Put the bundle in a large saucepan and add the root vegetables, onion, garlic and white wine. Add enough water to cover by 1 inch and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Drain the vegetables and discard the herb bundle.
2. Return the vegetables to the saucepan and cook over high heat, stirring, until the vegetables are dry, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and smash the vegetables with a potato masher. Stir in the butter and maple syrup and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.