If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing main course or side dish idea, this Root Vegetable Gratin is for you! Made with three types of root vegetables, this gluten free dish features a delicious blend of beets, squash, onions, garlic, and celeriac root. I also add two scoops of my Collagen Protein powder for an extra boost of whole-body nourishment.

Not only do you get to reap all the health benefits of beets, but you also get the added benefits of squash and celeriac root. Layered like a work of art, these colorful root vegetables will satisfy your tastebuds and need for creative flair! 

What is Gratin?

Gratin started out as a French cuisine of baked potatoes and vegetables. Think of it similar to a casserole. Today, many think a gratin is simply cheesy potatoes. I’m here to tell you it’s actually a very versatile dish! Many layers the potatoes with all kinds of delicious vegetables. I’m talking cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, or leeks! Some add cheese or cream to create a roux or sauce. This root vegetable gratin skips the inflammatory dairy and gluten. Instead, I use coconut milk and tapioca starch to create a healthier sauce. 

The word ‘gratin’ carries many meanings, perhaps reflecting the various ways you can make it. One definition of gratin refers to the crust that forms on the top of the dish. While traditional  gratin uses bread crumbs or similar ingredients, this root vegetable gratin uses a blend of tapioca starch, coconut milk, and Collagen Protein powder. This offers a gluten free, dairy free, gut-nourishing meal. 

Root Vegetables

You can never go wrong with root vegetables. That’s why they’re the stat in this root vegetable gratin! Let’s start with beets. These vibrant root vegetables are a fabulous source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Touted for their high nitrate levels, athletes use them to support healthy performance and recovery. 

Energy and vitality are but a few of the many benefits of beets. They also contain copper, which assists with neurotransmitter health and energy productions. Another of the many benefits of beets is their ability to support healthy blood pressure. 

What are the benefits of squash? These nutrient-rich root vegetables support a robust immune system with high amounts of vitamin C. Squash is also rich in fiber. Fiber helps your body eliminate waste and regulate bowel movements. Studies show that fiber may also support healthy heart function. 

Perhaps the most underrated of all root vegetables is celeriac root. Related to the common celery, celeriac root is just now beginning to make an appearance in the wellness world. It’s a great alternative to potatoes and offers some impressive benefits. 

For example, celeriac root contains B vitamins for energy production. A 3.5 ounce serving size also contains a whopping 51% of your daily vitamin K needs! Vitamin K assists with calcium absorption, preventing it from building up in your blood vessels. Celeraic root also protects your cells from free radical damage thanks to its high antioxidant profile. These take this root vegetable gratin to a whole new level of nutritious!

Collagen Protein Powder

I’m always looking for ways to make dinners even better. That’s why I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to add a boost of protein to this hearty root vegetable gratin. I decided to add two scoops of my Collagen Protein powder to add extra nourishment to your gut, skin, hair, and nails. This hydrolyzed formula dissolves into the warm coconut milk to create a rich, creamy sauce. It also has no flavor, so even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it.

As you age, it’s important to get enough high quality protein. Collagen peptides are a group of proteins your body uses to support muscle mass and strength. They also help build and repair the tissue in your gut, joints, and ligaments. Each scoop of my collagen protein powder provides 11 grams of collagen types I and III. 

Clinically studies show collagen type I supports optimal eye, organ, and blood vessel health. Collagen type III strengthens muscle tissue in addition to organs and blood vessels. Incorporating my Collagen Protein powder is a simple and effective way to maintain health all day, every day!

How To Make Root Vegetable Gratin

Start by washing, drying, and thinly slicing the root vegetables. I recommend a mandoline for this if you want to achieve perfectly uniform slices. Once you’re done, set them aside for now.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat. After about 3-4 minutes they should start to become fragrant and soft.

Once the onions and garlic soften, whisk in the bone broth. Follow with the coconut cream and stir until you have a smooth consistency. Next, whisk in the tapioca starch and Collagen Protein powder. Stir until everything is fully dissolved. Continue cooking for another two to three minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Season to taste with thyme, rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper. Remove the pan from the heat.

Apply a lightly coating of oil in a large ovenproof baking dish. Alternatively, you could use a sheet of parchment paper. Layer the sliced root vegetables in the dish, alternating between beets, squash, and celeriac root. This give it a vibrant and colorful effect! Continue alternating until you fill up the baking dish. Pour the collagen sauce evenly over the top layers, ensuring it covers all the nooks and crannies.

Baking the Root Vegetable Gratin

When you’re ready to bake, cover with a lid and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and bubbly. The vegetables will also be fork tender.

Remove the gratin from the oven to cool slightly. When you’re ready to serve, garnish this root vegetable gratin with additional fresh thyme and rosemary. I love how it adds an earthy look to it. 

You can store any leftover root vegetable gratin in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Are you looking for a meatier dish that still provides the amazing benefits of Collagen Protein powder? Check out who I incorporate a bone broth version into these Collagen and Greens Paleo Meatballs!