How to roast chicory root
Roasting chicory root at home is a simple process that produces a delicious and nutritious coffee substitute. Follow these steps to make your own roasted chicory root.
Ingredients and supplies
Step by step roasting process
Step 1: Harvest or Buy fresh chicory roots – If you have chicory plants in your garden, you can harvest the roots in the fall when they are most mature. If not, you can purchase fresh chicory roots from health food stores and farmers markets, or you can purchase already dried roots from herb suppliers such as Mountain rose herbsmy favorite place to buy spices online.
Step 2: Clean the roots – Wash the chicory roots thoroughly to remove any dirt. Use a brush to scrub away stubborn dirt.
Step 3: Chop the carrots – Cut the chicory roots into small pieces with a sharp knife. Smaller pieces roast more evenly and quickly.
Step 4: Preheat the oven – Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Step 5: Spread on a baking sheet – Divide the chopped chicory root pieces evenly on a baking tray. Make sure they are in one layer so they roast evenly.
Step 6: Roast the carrots – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours (maybe longer). Stir the carrots every 20-30 minutes to ensure even roasting. The chicory root pieces are done when they are dry and a deep, rich brown color.
Step 7: Cool and Grind – Remove the roasted chicory root from the oven and let cool completely. Once cool, use a food processor or coffee grinder to grind the roasted carrots to a consistency similar to coffee grounds.