How to roast chicory root
Roasting chicory root at home is a simple process that yields a delicious and nutritious substitute for coffee. Follow these steps to make your own roasted chicory root.
Ingredients and Supplies
Baking process step by step
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 buy fresh chicory roots from health food stores and farmers markets, or you can buy already dried roots from plant suppliers such as Mountain Rose Plantsmy favorite place to buy herbs online.
Step 2: Clean the roots – Wash the chicory roots thoroughly to remove any dirt. Use a brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt.
Step 3: Cut the roots – With a sharp knife, cut the chicory roots into small pieces. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly and faster.
Step 4: Preheat the oven – Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Step 5: Spread on a baking sheet – Spread the chopped pieces of chicory root evenly on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Roast the roots – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours (maybe more). Stir the roots every 20-30 minutes to ensure even roasting. Chicory root pieces are done when they are dried and have a deep, rich brown color.
Step 7: Cool and Grind – Remove the roasted chicory root from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a food processor or coffee grinder to grind the roasted roots to a consistency similar to coffee grounds.
