“Is that a fat, white carrot?” Exact quote from a non-parsnip person.
Parsnips may be one of the most detested vegetables out there. They hide in stews disguised as potatoes and they have a slight bitterness that some taste buds just can’t handle. But the sworn off root vegetable is making a comeback.
While parsnips are not the tasty raw snack that carrots are, the cousin to the bunny favorite is a bit sweeter, nuttier and earthier in flavor with a starchy texture that works beautifully in many forms of cooking. Think anything from soup to roasting, baking to frying—this root veg can do it all. Parsnips pair particularly well with other root vegetables so you can mix them in with your more-known favorites.
The fall through winter vegetable will never win a beauty prize, but the long, ivory-colored root vegetable has a lot to offer. The creamy white vegetable is low in calories, fat and sodium. A regular-sized parsnip can boast about 6 grams of fiber and a load of folic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, zincs and vitamins. A paradise of nutrients from the ground!
If you are looking for a quick and tasty side dish for Thanksgiving (and beyond), parsnips are an easy swap out and bring loads of flavor and potato-y texture to the table. It’s all about the parsnips with these recipes to tease your palate:
- These cider glazed parsnips are just dreamy.
- Swap out the same ‘ol French fry recipe for these garlic parsnip fries.
- Balsamic-roasted carrots and parsnips are a simple side dish winner.
- Make this light apple-parsnip appetizer soup immediately.
- Give your fall cooking a real kick with these parsnip and turnip gratins.
Do parsnips grace your Thanksgiving table? What is your favorite way to cook them?
photo credit: *clairity* via photopin cc
Parsnips are so good! I actually discovered them last year. They didn’t make it to my Thanksgiving table, but they’ll be featured in a weeknight dinner soon. I recommend chicken and parsnips or parsnip fries, just like you suggest!
They are a great option throughout the rest of the winter so hope they make it to you dining room table soon!