Savory Buttered Caramelized Parsnips
Transform your winter dinners with these delightful Buttered Fried Parsnips. This rustic dish elevates parsnips, a root vegetable that often goes unnoticed, by bringing out their natural sweetness through caramelization. The rich, nutty flavor of butter combines with a hint of warm nutmeg, creating a comforting side dish perfect for enjoying cozy meals with family and friends. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this recipe gives a new life to local winter produce and is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
parsnips
2 lbs (washed, trimmed, and scraped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (freshly grated if possible)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and thoroughly trimming the parsnips. Use a vegetable peeler to scrape off the skin for a smoother texture.
2
Cut the parsnips into uniform-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches long, to ensure even cooking.
3
Place the cut parsnips into a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until the parsnips are tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Once tender, drain the parsnips well and allow them to dry completely to achieve a perfect sear.
5
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Add the parsnips in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
6
Sauté the parsnips for about 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized on all sides. The caramelization process will highlight their natural sugars for an enhanced flavor.
7
Season the parsnips with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Stir gently to coat.
8
Transfer the parsnips to a warm serving dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Buttered Caramelized Parsnips?
They are a rustic vegetable side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of parsnips through boiling and caramelization in butter.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many pounds of parsnips are required?
You will need 2 lbs of parsnips.
How should the parsnips be prepared before cooking?
The parsnips should be washed, thoroughly trimmed, and the skin scraped off with a vegetable peeler.
What size should the parsnip pieces be cut into?
They should be cut into uniform-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches long.
How long do the parsnips need to boil?
They should be boiled for 25 to 30 minutes in salted water.
How do I know when the parsnips are finished boiling?
The parsnips are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Why is it important to dry the parsnips after boiling?
They must be completely dry to achieve a perfect sear and caramelization in the skillet.
What type of butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What heat setting should be used for sautéing?
The butter should be melted and the parsnips sautéed over medium heat.
How long does the caramelization process take in the skillet?
It takes about 5 to 10 minutes of sautéing while turning occasionally.
What spices are used to season the parsnips?
The dish is seasoned with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
How much nutmeg should be added?
The recipe recommends using 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg.
What is the recommended garnish?
A tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish for color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian vegetable side dish.
What flavor does the nutmeg provide?
Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth that complements the nutty flavor of the butter.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While the recipe specifies unsalted, you can use salted butter but should adjust the extra salt added at the end.
What is the benefit of caramelizing the parsnips?
Caramelization highlights the natural sugars of the parsnips for an enhanced, sweet flavor.
Should the parsnips be crowded in the pan?
No, they should be added in a single layer and not overcrowded to ensure even browning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients in total: parsnips, salt, black pepper, butter, fresh parsley, and nutmeg.
When should the nutmeg be added?
Season the parsnips with nutmeg after they have been sautéed and are golden brown.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a winter recipe that utilizes local seasonal produce.
Should the water be salted for boiling?
Yes, the parsnips should be placed into a pot of salted water.
What should the butter look like before adding parsnips?
The butter should be melted and starting to bubble.
How should the parsnips be served?
They should be transferred to a warm serving dish and served immediately.
What texture does scraping the skin provide?
Scraping the skin with a peeler ensures a smoother texture for the final dish.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals.
Can I use dried parsley?
The recipe specifies fresh parsley for the best flavor and visual appeal, but dried could be used in a pinch.
What is the main flavor profile?
The dish is savory and buttery with natural sweetness and warm spice notes.
How do I ensure even cooking?
By cutting the parsnips into uniform-sized pieces.