
how to cook a parsnip
Parsnip, a root vegetable that closely resembles the carrot, is a culinary delight with its unique sweet and earthy flavour. Despite its versatility, many are unfamiliar with how to utilise this delicious vegetable to its full potential. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to explore the many ways to cook parsnips, enabling you to bring out their full flavour and create a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will impress your family and friends.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Parsnips
Parsnips belong to the same family as carrots, but they are not just white carrots. They have their own distinct taste, texture, and nutritional profile. They are sweeter than carrots, with a nutty and earthy flavour that is often described as “spiced”. This makes them an excellent choice for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and purees.
While they are typically available in the fall and winter, parsnips can be enjoyed year-round thanks to modern storage techniques. They are also incredibly nutritious, packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. These characteristics make parsnips not only a tasty addition to your diet but also a healthy one.
2. Selecting the Best Parsnips
When choosing parsnips, it pays to give some care and attention to the selection process. A good parsnip should be relatively smooth and free from blemishes. Avoid parsnips that look withered or dried out, as they can be tough and lack flavour.
Size is also an important factor when selecting parsnips. Smaller parsnips tend to have a more tender texture and a sweeter, more concentrated flavour. On the other hand, larger parsnips can be a bit more fibrous, particularly towards the core. Try to avoid very large parsnips, as they often have a woody, fibrous core that needs to be removed before cooking.
3. Preparing Parsnips for Cooking
Preparing parsnips for cooking is straightforward. Firstly, wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Some prefer to peel their parsnips, while others prefer to leave the skin on to preserve more of the flavour. If you decide to peel your parsnips, do so gently to avoid removing too much of the flesh.
Once your parsnips are clean (and peeled, if preferred), trim off the ends and cut them into your desired size and shape. If you’re roasting or frying parsnips, you might want to cut them into chunky batons or rounds. If you’re making a soup or puree, smaller pieces will cook more quickly and blend more easily.
Remember to cut away any woody core from larger parsnips, as this can be tough and unpleasant to eat.
4. Roasting Parsnips
Roasting is one of the most popular ways to cook parsnips. The high heat of the oven causes the natural sugars in the parsnips to caramelise, resulting in a sweet, rich, and slightly nutty flavour.
To roast parsnips, simply toss them in a bit of your preferred cooking oil (such as olive oil or rapeseed oil), season with salt and pepper, and spread them out on a baking tray. Roast them in a preheated oven at around 200°C (180°C fan) for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
Roasted parsnips can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to salads, or used as a topping for soups and stews. They are also a traditional accompaniment to a Sunday roast or Christmas dinner.
5. Making Parsnip Soup
Parsnip soup is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. The sweetness of the parsnips pairs beautifully with a variety of flavours, from aromatic spices to tangy apples.
To make a basic parsnip soup, start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a bit of oil until they’re soft and fragrant. Add your chopped parsnips and cook for a few minutes, then add enough vegetable or chicken stock to cover the vegetables. Simmer until the parsnips are tender, then blend until smooth. Season to taste, and your soup is ready to serve!
For a more complex flavour, consider adding some spices (such as cumin, coriander, or nutmeg) or some chopped apples to your soup.
6. Frying Parsnips
Frying is another excellent way to cook parsnips. When fried, parsnips become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a delicious alternative to traditional potato fries or chips.
To fry parsnips, start by cutting them into thin strips or matchsticks. Heat some oil in a frying pan or deep-fryer, then add the parsnip pieces in small batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season with salt and serve immediately.
7. Making Parsnip Puree
Parsnip puree is a smooth, creamy, and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains, from roasted meats to pan-seared fish. It’s also a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meals in a form that even picky eaters will enjoy.
To make parsnip puree, start by boiling your peeled and chopped parsnips until they are very tender. Drain them well, then puree them in a food processor or with a hand blender until smooth. Add some butter and cream for richness, and season to taste. You could also add some spices or herbs for extra flavour.
8. Grating Parsnips for Salads and Slaws
Grated parsnips can be a delicious addition to salads and slaws. Their sweet and nutty flavour pairs well with a wide variety of ingredients, from crisp apples and tangy citrus fruits to earthy beets and crunchy nuts.
To use parsnips in a salad or slaw, simply peel them and grate them using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Toss the grated parsnips with your other ingredients and a tangy vinaigrette, and let the salad sit for a bit to allow the flavours to meld together.
9. Making Parsnip Rice
Parsnip rice is a great low-carb alternative to regular rice. It’s easy to make and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries and curries to salads and side dishes.
To make parsnip rice, start by peeling and chopping your parsnips into small chunks. Then, blitz them in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. You can then cook your parsnip rice in a bit of oil on the stovetop, or steam it in the microwave for a few minutes until tender.
10. Steaming Parsnips
Steaming is a quick and healthy way to cook parsnips. This method retains most of the vegetable’s nutrients and brings out its natural sweetness.
To steam parsnips, cut them into even-sized pieces and place them in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender. You can then serve the steamed parsnips as they are, or toss them in a bit of butter and herbs for extra flavour.
Parsnips are a versatile and delicious vegetable that deserve a place in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re roasting them for a comforting side dish, blending them into a silky soup, or frying them up for a tasty snack, there are many ways to cook parsnips that will showcase their unique flavour and texture. So why not pick up a bunch of parsnips on your next shopping trip and start experimenting with these delightful root vegetables? You might just discover a new favourite dish!