Creamy Baked Parsnip, Cauliflower & Onion Medley
Discover the delightful combination of mashed parsnips and cauliflower in this baked medley that brings comfort food to a whole new level. This dish effortlessly combines the sweet, earthy flavors of parsnips with the creamy texture of cauliflower, all enhanced by the savory notes of sautéed onions and garlic. Topped with a crispy mixture of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, it offers a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the mashed vegetables. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the creaminess, saltiness, and even add your favorite herbs or cheeses for a personal touch. Quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (cut into bite-sized pieces, thick stems removed)
Parsnips
3 (peeled and chopped)
Onion
1 small (finely chopped)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)
Heavy cream
1 cup (light cream or milk can be substituted)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup (for topping)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
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1. Prepare Vegetables: In a large pot, combine the cauliflower florets and chopped parsnips. Fill the pot with enough salted water to cover the vegetables. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the parsnips and cauliflower are tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Drain the vegetables and return them to the pot over low heat for a minute to steam off any excess moisture.
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2. Make the Topping: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then stir in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
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3. Mash the Vegetables: To the pot with the drained vegetables, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, onions, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, begin mashing the mixture. Start slowly and adjust the texture to your liking by adding more cream or butter if desired. Continue mashing until you reach your preferred consistency.
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4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a small baking dish with non-stick spray or lightly grease it. Carefully transfer the mashed vegetable mixture into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
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5. Bake: Evenly spread the breadcrumb and cheese topping over the mashed vegetables. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
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6. Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, or can be enjoyed as a healthy, hearty side on its own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Baked Parsnip, Cauliflower & Onion Medley?
It is a comforting baked side dish that combines mashed parsnips and cauliflower with savory notes of onion and garlic, finished with a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping.
What vegetables are the main components of this recipe?
The main vegetables are one head of cauliflower and three peeled and chopped parsnips.
How should I prepare the cauliflower?
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and ensure the thick stems are removed.
How long do the parsnips and cauliflower need to boil?
Boil them in salted water for approximately 10-15 minutes until they are tender.
How can I remove excess moisture from the boiled vegetables?
After draining the vegetables, return them to the pot over low heat for about a minute to steam off any remaining moisture.
How do I make the crispy topping?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
What ingredients are added to the mash for flavor?
The mash includes 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, light cream or milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the medley need to bake?
Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Spray a small baking dish with non-stick spray or lightly grease it before adding the vegetable mixture.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is categorized as a vegetarian recipe.
Can I adjust the consistency of the mash?
Yes, you can adjust the texture by adding more cream or butter while mashing until you reach your preferred consistency.
What type of breadcrumbs are used for the topping?
The recipe calls for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How many teaspoons of garlic are required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What size onion should I use?
One small onion, finely chopped, is recommended for this dish.
What kind of cheese is used in the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese for the topping.
Can I add other herbs or cheeses?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for the addition of your favorite herbs or alternative cheeses for a personal touch.
What is the best way to mash the vegetables?
Using a potato masher is recommended to achieve the desired texture.
What should I serve this dish with?
It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be served as a hearty standalone side dish.
How many parsnips do I need?
You will need three parsnips for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the parsnips?
Yes, the parsnips should be peeled and chopped before boiling.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 4 tablespoons of butter: 2 for the mash and 2 for the topping.
Should the water be salted for boiling?
Yes, fill the pot with enough salted water to cover the vegetables.
Can I use light cream?
Yes, light cream or milk are suitable substitutes for heavy cream.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with a boiling time of 10-15 minutes and a bake time of 15-20 minutes, it is relatively quick to prepare.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a smooth, creamy vegetable base contrasted by a crunchy, golden-brown topping.
How much breadcrumbs are used?
You will need 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It combines sweet and earthy notes from parsnips with the creamy cauliflower and savory garlic and onion.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.