Name: Honey Roasted Parsnips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Vegetables
Ingredients: 400g / 14oz parsnips; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme (see note 1)

Question 1

Are parsnips healthy?

Accepted Answer

Parsnips are closely related to carrots, which is no surprise when you consider the similarities in shape and size. And while the health benefits of carrots may be more widely known, the great news is that parsnips also contain a host of goodness. 

These bland-looking root veggies have a high fibre content and can help reduce cholesterol levels. They also pack a few great nutrients, namely potassium and vitamin C & E. What better reason do you need to whip up a batch?

Do bear in mind that this recipe adds honey and olive oil to add flavour, so it does a few extra calories and fat. However, one portion of this recipe contains just 112 calories and 5g of fat.

Question 2

Can I make it in advance?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking to minimise time in the kitchen on the day of cooking, then you can prepare the veg in advance - up to a day ahead. Place the parsnips in a bowl of water in the fridge after peeling and slicing. This will prevent air from getting to the surface of the veg and causing it to brown.

For best results serve the veg freshly roasted, although you can certainly reheat it later in the oven. However, reheating the veg is effectively continuing the cooking time. Therefore, the more they are reheated the more overcooked they can become.

While they are safe to freeze for up to 3 months, you may find that the parsnips become soggy after being frozen and defrosted. If you do have leftovers that you don't want to waste, you could use them later in a soup.

Question 3

Do I need to parboil them?

Accepted Answer

If you've ever found yourself wondering what parboiling does and if it is necessary, well you're not alone. Some people swear by parboiling while others skip this step entirely. Personally, I rarely bother. Blanching them first will help ensure that they're perfectly soft and moist while roasting them raw will give a slightly crisper result.

Both methods work fine and the difference in the result is negligible. Therefore, it's up to you if the extra time and effort is worth it.

Question 4

Do I need to peel parsnips?

Accepted Answer

While it is technically fine to leave the skin on parsnips, it is best to peel them first unless they are very young. The skin can get quite tough when cooking and isn't as pleasant to eat as the flesh underneath.

While parsnips are quite firm and tough when raw, the skin is thin and papery and very easy to remove with a vegetable peeler.

Question 5

How long do they take to roast?

Accepted Answer

Parsnips roasted at 180C/350F will cook in around 35-40 minutes. This will result in beautifully soft and tender flesh, with a lightly caramelised surface. Naturally, it can take a little more or less time depending on how hot the oven is and how big the pieces of vegetables are.

Question 6

What can I serve them with?

Accepted Answer

If you're always wondering what sides to serve up with dinner, then look no further. Once you've tried these honey roasted parsnips then they are sure to become a staple on your mealtime repertoire. The most logical way to serve them is with a roast, but they also go great with any meal of meat or fish, or even with a vegetable-based main course. 

Looking for some ideas? Why not try:

•	Slow Cooker Steak Pie
•	Mushroom Wellington
•	Bavette Steak
•	Cheese and Potato Pie
•	Minted Lamb Chops

Honey Roasted Parsnips

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition