The humble parsnip is making a comeback in American cuisine! While often overlooked, this root vegetable has a wealth of uses beyond being relegated to a lonely side dish. In fact, when cooked correctly, parsnips can add a sweet and earthy flavor to a wide range of dishes. From savory snacks to decadent desserts, the possibilities are endless. For those who have never cooked with parsnips before, the key is to find ways to balance their natural sweetness with other flavors.
This can be achieved by roasting or boiling them until they’re tender, then seasoning with herbs and spices. When done right, parsnips can be a game-changer in the kitchen. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of 17 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the best of what this underrated vegetable has to offer. From classic dishes like Parmesan Baked Parsnips and Chickpea Curry With Parsnips, to more innovative creations like Breakfast Parsnips and even Parsnip Wine, there’s something for everyone.
So why not give parsnips a try? They might just become your new favorite ingredient.
Garlic Butter Roasted Parsnips
The roasted parsnip, elevated by the savory combination of garlic butter, is an exceptional side dish that transcends traditional holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, and is equally impressive at dinner parties and everyday gatherings.
This harmonious blend of flavors – rich, buttery notes mingling with the sweetness of the parsnips’ natural flavor profile – serves as a masterful connector between the various elements on the plate, weaving together the diverse components into a cohesive whole.
Parsnip Mash With Dijon And Honey
One staple side dish that often accompanies roast dinners is mashed potatoes, but have you ever considered substituting this classic with parsnip mash? The sweet and earthy flavor of parsnips lends itself perfectly to being mashed, and when combined with a blend of spices including Dijon mustard, honey, and a hint of black pepper, the result is a dish that’s both familiar yet excitingly new.
This recipe offers a simple way to add some excitement to your traditional dinners without requiring any extra effort or experimentation.
Sweet And Sticky Parsnips
While Western-style BBQ is well-loved by many, there’s another culinary dimension to explore – fusing Asian-inspired flavors with root vegetables. The sweet and sticky parsnip is a game-changer, offering a genius way to cook this often-overlooked veggie. Your family will be hooked from the very first bite. To recreate this delightful combination, you’ll need only a few Chinese condiments. And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for snacking or as a main course.
The result is a sweet and savory treat that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Chickpea Curry With Roast Carrot And Parsnips
This Indian-inspired chickpea curry with roasted carrots and parsnip offers a harmonious blend of flavors, making it a welcome addition to your table. The dish is built upon two main components: a rich chickpea curry and the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted carrots and parsnips. As these elements come together, the subtle smokiness from the roasted vegetables adds a depth of taste that’s simply divine.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is its abundance of nutritious ingredients, including chickpeas, spinach, and the star of the show – carrots and parsnip. With such a hearty bowl of curry on your table, you’ll be surprised by how easily it can become a staple dish for any time of year.
Parsnip Gratin
The combination of roasted parsnips and potatoes, bound together by a generous helping of melted cheese, may seem unconventional at first, but it’s an absolute game-changer. This delectable dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring little more than popping it into the oven and letting the magic unfold.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: merely slice the parsnips and potatoes into thin rounds, then cook them in a rich cream until they’re tender and infused with a deep, velvety flavor. And when you finally take it out of the oven, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be nothing short of irresistible.
Parsnip, Potato And Scallion Latkes
Latke lovers rejoice! These Parsnip and Potato latkes are a game-changer when it comes to getting finicky eaters on board with hearty root vegetables. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, soft interior that’s sure to please even the pickiest of palates.
Not only do they make for an excellent snack option, but these latkes also hold their own as a satisfying main dish.
Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up – you might just find yourself making them again and again, especially if you’re on the hunt for tasty, plant-based munchies.
Easy Baked Parsnip Chips
Vegetable chips have taken the world by storm, offering a delightful twist on traditional snacking. The trend has inspired countless innovative recipes and a healthier alternative to store-bought options, especially when prepared in the comfort of your own air fryer at home. Among these creative takes is the delectable parsnip chip recipe that has won over our hearts and taste buds.
With its harmonious balance of sweetness and savory flavors, this easy-to-make treat is a game-changer for those seeking guilt-free indulgence. Moreover, the satisfying crunch of each bite makes it an irresistible snack for even the most discerning palates – including our own. Who would have thought that with just a little effort, we could create such scrumptious, visually appealing eats at home?
The answer lies in the simplicity and versatility of this recipe, which has left us questioning how we ever managed without it.
Nutty Green Parsnip Rice
The concept of cauliflower rice has gotten a creative spin with the introduction of parsnip rice, which boasts a nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible. While some might think this idea is out of the box, we assure you it’s a game-changer due to its distinct texture and flavor profile. The sweetness of the parsnip surprisingly harmonizes with the savory notes imparted by ingredients like onion, parsley, and garlic, creating a truly unique culinary experience.
Moreover, the earthy and delicate texture adds an extra layer of depth, making this innovative approach to consuming parsnips as rice nothing short of revolutionary.
Parmesan Baked Parsnips
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet parsnips and savory parmesan cheese as the parmesan-baked parsnips take on a new flavor profile. The crispy, cheesy crust adds a satisfying texture to the natural sweetness of the parsnip, making for an irresistible snack or side dish. This effortless recipe requires just six ingredients and minimal prep time, making it a perfect addition to any meal. And let’s be honest, who can resist the allure of cheese?
It elevates even the most mundane dishes to new heights, and parmesan-baked parsnips are no exception. With its ease of preparation and abundance of veggie goodness, this dish is sure to become your go-to snack or side dish. So why not give it a try?
Carrot, Parsnip And Lentil Casserole
What makes a casserole such an enduring favorite is its incredible adaptability – it’s a dish that can be tailored to suit almost anyone’s taste buds and dietary needs. And this Carrot, Parsnip and Lentil Casserole is no exception, boasting a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
The harmonious union of tender parsnips, sweet carrots, and hearty lentils, all bound together by a golden cheese topping, creates a satisfying and filling meal that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Its versatility is equally impressive, allowing it to be served alongside a variety of sides, from fluffy rice to roasted vegetables, or enjoyed on its own as a comforting, standalone main course.
Spiced Parsnip Cake
While parsnips are often used as a savory ingredient, they also have the potential to add natural sweetness to dishes. This realization sparked the idea that if carrots can be used to make sweet treats like carrot cake, why not parsnips? The result is a unique and delicious soft snack cake recipe that combines the humble root vegetable with coconut, ginger, and cinnamon. While this recipe does require a considerable number of ingredients, it’s well worth the effort.
In fact, using parsnips in this way provides a tasty and innovative way to enjoy a fall favorite.
Parsnip Chowder
Chowder, in essence, serves as a refined iteration of soup, effortlessly transforming wilted vegetables lingering in your refrigerator’s cold drawer into a culinary delight.
Characterized by their hearty, starchy composition, chowders often feature an array of filling vegetables. In this regard, incorporating parsnips into the mix proves to be nothing short of perfection.
The creamy sweetness that results from these combined flavors effectively elevates the dish into a sublime aperitif for a rich dinner, with each spoonful delivering a symphony of tastes courtesy of carrots, potatoes, celery, and many more.
On a cold winter’s night, there’s no better remedy than a warm, comforting bowl of hearty parsnip chowder.
Curried Parsnip And Rice Pudding
Imagine combining the natural sweetness of parsnips with the freshness of apples and the subtle warmth of curry and rum – it’s a truly unique culinary experience! The curried parsnip and rice pudding is a sweet twist on this versatile root vegetable, showcasing its potential in desserts. What makes this dish particularly special is the harmonious balance of flavors, where the sweetness of parsnips pairs perfectly with the freshness of apples and the depth of curry and rum.
Creamy Wild Mushroom And Parsnip Vegan Risotto
Risotto, a culinary gem, boasts an unparalleled blend of rich flavors and a satisfyingly dense yet creamy consistency. This beloved Italian dish is a staple in fine dining establishments, with its unique texture setting it apart from other rice-based creations. For this recipe, we’ve chosen parsnip as the star ingredient, which harmonizes beautifully with the earthy tones of mushrooms to create an umami-rich flavor profile.
The parsnips’ subtle sweetness and savory essence expertly balance the dish’s overall taste, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience. If you’re looking for another must-try recipe, look no further – this risotto is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Carrot Parsnip Soup
The humble carrot and parsnip soup has been a staple in many cultures, offering a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy the sweet, earthy taste of these root vegetables. When pureed and blended, the resulting texture is smooth and creamy, with a lingering nutty flavor that leaves you craving more. What truly elevates this soup to new heights, however, is the inspired combination of miso and cheese with the natural sweetness of parsnips and carrots.
The result is a rich, savory broth that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. With its hearty, comforting nature, it’s no wonder why carrot and parsnip soup remains a beloved recipe for many. Whether as a cozy nightcap or a nourishing pick-me-up, this soup has earned its place as a treasured classic.
Roasted Parsnip & Caramelized Onion Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of caramelized onion soup, elevated by the subtle sweetness of roasted parsnips. This hearty, earthy delight is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring only a few essential ingredients. As the seasons transition into autumn and winter, this soup becomes a cozy refuge, wrapping you in a sense of security and contentment.
Roasted Parsnip And Orange Salad
Elevate your roasted parsnip and orange salad with a rich homemade tahini dressing, making it an excellent choice as both main course and side dish. The harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and slightly citrusy flavors is further enhanced by the subtle nuttiness from the pecans, earthy notes from cumin, and a hint of maple syrup’s sweetness.
This salad’s intricate balance of textures, including crunchy pecans, tender parsnips, and velvety tahini dressing, allows you to fully appreciate the star ingredient – roasted parsnip.
Old Fashioned Parsnip Wine
What’s even more unexpected is being asked for a glass of parsnip wine! This unique recipe requires lemon, raisins, and the starchy ‘juice’ extracted from cooked parsnips. The best part? You can repurpose the leftover taproot into a side dish that suits your taste, rather than sending it to the compost bin like you might with other fermented drinks. For added guidance, be sure to explore the helpful tips shared by Practical Self Reliance before embarking on this adventure.
Eliot’s Breakfast Parsnips
Reprinted from Deborah Madison’s vegetarian cookbook, this delectable dish is a testament to the power of simplicity. With just a few rich ingredients, the humble parsnip takes center stage, its natural sweetness amplified by the warmth of clarified butter, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. This indulgent treat promises to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying the appetites of loved ones gathered together over the holidays.
The bottom line
Our initial presentation of a comprehensive collection of parsnip recipes aimed to provide a solution for the common conundrum of utilizing this underrated root vegetable, thereby alleviating any uncertainty about how to incorporate parsnips into one’s culinary repertoire.
