How to cook parsnips?

How to Cook Parsnips: A Guide to Bringing Out Their Natural Sweetness

Parsnips are a type of root vegetable that is often overlooked in favor of more popular options like carrots and potatoes. However, they are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, with a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook parsnips, from roasting and boiling to mashing and puréeing.

Why Cook Parsnips?

Before we dive into the cooking methods, let’s talk about why you should be cooking parsnips in the first place. Here are a few reasons why:

• Nutrient-rich: Parsnips are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and folate.
• Low in calories: One medium-sized parsnip contains only 45 calories, making it a great addition to a weight loss diet.
• Versatile: Parsnips can be cooked in a variety of ways, from roasting and boiling to mashing and puréeing.
• Sweet and nutty flavor: Parsnips have a natural sweetness that pairs well with a variety of herbs and spices.

How to Cook Parsnips

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of cooking parsnips, let’s move on to the cooking methods. Here are a few ways to cook parsnips:

Roasting Parsnips

Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of parsnips. Here’s how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Peel and chop the parsnips into 1-inch pieces.
• Toss the parsnips with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the parsnips out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender and caramelized.

Tips for Roasting Parsnips:

• Use a variety of parsnips: Try using a combination of sweet and regular parsnips for a deeper flavor.
• Add aromatics: Onions, garlic, and thyme are all great additions to roasted parsnips.
• Check for doneness: Use a fork to check if the parsnips are tender. If they’re not, continue to roast in 5-minute increments until they’re done.

Boiling Parsnips

Boiling is a simple way to cook parsnips, and it’s a great way to preserve their nutrients. Here’s how to do it:

• Peel and chop the parsnips into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the parsnips in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender.
• Drain the parsnips and serve hot.

Tips for Boiling Parsnips:

• Use a large pot: Make sure the pot is large enough to hold all of the parsnips in a single layer.
• Don’t overcook: Parsnips can become mushy if they’re overcooked. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the parsnip. If it slides in easily, it’s done.
• Add flavor: Try adding some garlic, lemon juice, or herbs to the water for extra flavor.

Mashing Parsnips

Mashing is a great way to add parsnips to your favorite dishes, like mashed potatoes or shepherd’s pie. Here’s how to do it:

• Peel and chop the parsnips into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the parsnips in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender.
• Drain the parsnips and mash with butter, milk, and seasonings.

Tips for Mashing Parsnips:

• Use a ricer: A ricer is a great tool for mashing parsnips, as it helps to break down the fibers and create a smooth texture.
• Add flavor: Try adding some garlic, herbs, or spices to the mashed parsnips for extra flavor.
• Use as a topping: Mashed parsnips make a great topping for shepherd’s pie, mashed potatoes, or even as a side dish on their own.

Puréeing Parsnips

Puréeing is a great way to add parsnips to soups, sauces, or as a side dish. Here’s how to do it:

• Peel and chop the parsnips into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the parsnips in a blender or food processor with some chicken or vegetable broth.
• Blend until smooth, adding more broth as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.

Tips for Puréeing Parsnips:

• Use a high-powered blender: A high-powered blender, like a Vitamix or Blendtec, is great for puréeing parsnips, as it can handle tough fibers and create a smooth texture.
• Add flavor: Try adding some garlic, herbs, or spices to the puréeed parsnips for extra flavor.
• Use as a base: Puréeed parsnips make a great base for soups, sauces, or as a side dish on their own.

Conclusion

Parsnips are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer roasting, boiling, mashing, or puréeing, there’s a method that’s sure to bring out the natural sweetness of these tasty root vegetables. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a parsnip expert and enjoying the many benefits of this underrated vegetable.

Parsnip Cooking Chart

Here is a chart to help you determine the best cooking method for your parsnips:

Parsnip Varieties

There are several varieties of parsnips, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are a few popular varieties:

• Sweet parsnips: These parsnips are sweeter and less earthy than regular parsnips.
• Regular parsnips: These parsnips are the most commonly available variety and have a sweet and earthy flavor.
• Harris parsnips: These parsnips are smaller and sweeter than regular parsnips.
• All American parsnips: These parsnips are a cross between a sweet and regular parsnip and have a sweet and slightly earthy flavor.

Parsnip Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for one medium-sized parsnip:

• Calories: 45
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Vitamin C: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin K: 25% of the DV
• Folate: 10% of the DV

I hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to cook parsnips. With these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a parsnip expert and enjoying the many benefits of this underrated vegetable.