How to cook parsnips quickly

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Parsnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are looking to serve them as a side dish or incorporate them into a main course, parsnips can be cooked quickly and easily. In this article, we will explore some quick and delicious ways to cook parsnips.

Roasted parsnips: One of the simplest and tastiest ways to cook parsnips is to roast them. To do this, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the parsnips and cut them into even-sized pieces. Toss the parsnips in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. Spread the parsnips out on a baking sheet and roast them for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and tender.

Parsnip fries: If you are in the mood for a healthier alternative to regular french fries, try making parsnip fries. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the parsnips and cut them into thin strips, similar to french fries. Coat the parsnips in olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices. Spread the parsnips out on a baking sheet and bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Parsnip puree: Another delicious way to cook parsnips is to make a creamy parsnip puree. Start by peeling and chopping the parsnips into small pieces. Boil them in a pot of salted water until they are fork-tender. Drain the parsnips and then puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste, and blend until well combined. Serve the parsnip puree as a delicious side dish or use it as a base for other recipes.

There you have it – three quick and easy ways to cook parsnips. Whether you choose to roast them, make parsnip fries, or create a creamy parsnip puree, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, the next time you find yourself with a bunch of parsnips, give one of these cooking methods a try and enjoy the delicious results!

Preparing the parsnips

Before you can start cooking the parsnips, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure your parsnips are ready to be cooked:

1. Wash the parsnips: Start by washing the parsnips under running water to remove any dirt and debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub them gently if necessary.

2. Peel the parsnips: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin of the parsnips. Hold the parsnip firmly with one hand and peel away from your body with the other hand. Make sure to remove all the skin to achieve a smooth texture.

3. Trim the ends: Cut off the tops and tails of the parsnips using a sharp knife. Discard these pieces as they are usually tougher and less flavorful. Trimming the ends will also give your parsnips a neat appearance.

4. Cut the parsnips: Depending on your recipe, you can cut the parsnips into slices, cubes, or sticks. Keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster, so adjust the size accordingly.

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5. Soak the parsnips (optional): To reduce cooking time and improve tenderness, you can soak the parsnip slices or cubes in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step is especially useful if you prefer your parsnips to be softer.

Now that your parsnips are properly prepared, you are ready to start cooking them. Move on to the next section for quick and delicious parsnip recipes.

Peeling and chopping the parsnips

When it comes to cooking parsnips quickly, the first step is to peel and chop them into smaller pieces. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Start by washing the parsnips under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully peel off the outer skin of the parsnips. Make sure to remove any blemishes or tough spots.
  3. Once the parsnips are peeled, trim off the ends and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. You can chop them into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.
  4. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a food processor to quickly chop the parsnips. Simply cut them into smaller chunks and pulse a few times until the desired size is achieved.
  5. After chopping the parsnips, make sure to use them immediately in your recipe to prevent discoloration and loss of flavor.

By following these simple steps, you will have peeled and chopped parsnips ready to be used in your recipe in no time!

Washing the parsnips

Before you start cooking your parsnips, it’s important to wash them thoroughly. Here are the steps to wash parsnips:

  1. Prepare the parsnips: Start by trimming off the greens of the parsnips, leaving about half an inch of the stem intact. This will help retain moisture during the cooking process.
  2. Rinse under cold water: Take each parsnip and hold it under running cold water. Rub the skin gently with your fingers to remove any dirt or debris.
  3. Scrub the skin: If needed, use a vegetable brush to scrub the skin of the parsnips. This will help remove any stubborn dirt or residue.
  4. Inspect for any blemishes: While washing the parsnips, keep an eye out for any blemishes or discolorations. Trim off any affected areas with a sharp knife.
  5. Pat dry: Once the parsnips are clean, gently pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This will help remove excess water before cooking.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your parsnips are clean and ready to be cooked. Now that the parsnips are washed, you can proceed with your preferred cooking method.

Quick cooking methods

There are several quick cooking methods that you can use to cook parsnips. These methods will help you save time while still enjoying delicious parsnips.

1. Steaming: Steaming is a quick and healthy cooking method for parsnips. Simply place the parsnips in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender. Steaming retains the natural flavors and nutrients of the parsnips.

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2. Roasting: Roasting is another quick and easy method to cook parsnips. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the parsnips into even-sized pieces and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the parsnips in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Roasting gives the parsnips a caramelized flavor and crispy texture.

3. Sautéing: Sautéing is a fast cooking method that can be used for parsnips. Heat some oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the parsnips and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Sautéing adds a slightly caramelized flavor to the parsnips.

4. Boiling: Boiling is the quickest cooking method for parsnips. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the parsnips to the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the parsnips and serve them as desired. Boiling is a simple method that softens the parsnips and makes them easy to mash or incorporate into other recipes.

5. Microwaving: Microwaving is the fastest cooking method for parsnips. Place the parsnips in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 5-7 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender. Microwaving is convenient and time-saving, but it may result in slightly softer parsnips compared to other cooking methods.

Quick cooking methods for parsnips
Steaming
Roasting
Sautéing
Boiling
Microwaving

Roasting parsnips

Roasting parsnips is a delicious and quick way to cook this root vegetable. The caramelization that happens during the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the parsnips, making them a perfect side dish or addition to any meal.

Preparation

Before roasting parsnips, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by peeling the parsnips and cutting them into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and all pieces are done at the same time.

Roasting

Once the parsnips are prepared, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the parsnips out on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the parsnips evenly with the seasoning.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the parsnips are golden brown and tender. Make sure to turn the parsnips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Once the parsnips are roasted to perfection, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be served on their own as a side dish or used in recipes like roasted parsnip soup or roasted parsnip and goat cheese tart.

Enjoy your delicious roasted parsnips!

Steaming parsnips

Steaming parsnips is an easy and quick way to cook them while preserving their natural flavor and nutrients. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to steaming parsnips:

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What you will need:

  • A steamer pot or a pot with a steamer basket
  • Fresh parsnips
  • Water
  • Salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the parsnips: Start by washing the parsnips thoroughly under running water. Trim off the ends and peel the skin using a vegetable peeler. Cut the parsnips into even-sized pieces, about 2 inches long, to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Set up the steamer: Fill the steamer pot or a pot with a steamer basket with about 2 inches of water. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Steam the parsnips: Once the water is simmering, place the parsnip pieces in the steamer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as the steam needs to circulate around the vegetables for even cooking. Cover the pot with a lid.

4. Cook the parsnips: Steam the parsnips for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Check for doneness by testing a piece with a fork.

5. Season and serve: Once the parsnips are cooked, remove them from the steamer and transfer them to a serving dish. If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the steamed parsnips as a side dish or use them in your favorite recipes.

Note: Steamed parsnips can be enjoyed on their own or used in various dishes such as soups, stews, stir-fries, or roasted vegetable medleys.

FAQ

What is a parsnip?

A parsnip is a root vegetable closely related to carrots and parsley. It has a creamy white color and a sweet, nutty flavor.

How can I quickly cook parsnips?

There are several quick methods to cook parsnips. You can steam them for about 10 minutes, roast them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or sauté them in a pan for 5-7 minutes.

What are some seasoning options for cooked parsnips?

There are many seasoning options for cooked parsnips. You can try tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. You can also sprinkle them with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Can I eat the skin of a parsnip?

Yes, you can eat the skin of a parsnip. However, it is recommended to peel the parsnips before cooking, as the skin can be a bit tough.

What are some dishes that I can make with cooked parsnips?

There are many delicious dishes you can make with cooked parsnips. You can mash them like potatoes, add them to soups and stews, or even make parsnip fries by slicing them into thin strips and baking them in the oven.

What are parsnips?

Parsnips are root vegetables that are similar in shape and size to carrots. They have a sweet and nutty flavor.

Are parsnips healthy?

Yes, parsnips are a nutritious vegetable. They are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are also low in calories.