Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa Vegetable

Parsnip Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"The Sweet Root"

Definition

A root vegetable related to carrots, featuring a creamy white color, sweet, earthy flavor, and starchy texture, often used roasted or mashed.

Optimal Storage (Refrigerated) 2-4 weeks in a plastic bag
Peak Season Fall through early spring
Sugars Increase After Frost Starch converts to sugar

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Parsnip are:

Sweet earthy nutty slightly spicy

Chef’s Secret

Roast parsnips until deeply caramelized to enhance their natural sweetness, then purée for a luxurious side dish or soup base.

Best Substitutes

Carrot

less starchy
Ratio 1:1

Sweet Potato

sweeter
Ratio 1:1

Celeriac

earthier
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, small to medium-sized parsnips; larger ones can be woody. Avoid soft spots or sprouts.

Recipes Using Parsnip

Heirloom Historical Easy Main Dish St Patricks Day

Tis An Irish Lamb Stew

Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Irish Lamb Stew, a delicious twist on a classic recipe! Made with a rich homemade lamb broth (using lamb bones – don't forget to grab some!), tender lamb, and Mom's insistence of fresh cabbage, this stew is a comforting masterpiece. Pair it with our homemade Irish Soda Bread (recipe available!) for an authentic Irish feast. (Optional: add a touch of whiskey for an extra kick!)

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Meat Meat Cuisine Chicken Breasts

30 Minute Chicken Noodle Soup From Foodtv Rachael Ray

This lightning-fast chicken noodle soup recipe from Rachael Ray's Food Network show (originally aired 5/16/02) is a comforting classic ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a flavorful and hearty broth with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. A quick and easy recipe for busy cooks.

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4 Hours Or Less Occasion Time To Make Dinner Party

A Vegetarian Finnish Mashed Potato Casserole

Experience a delightful twist on classic mashed potatoes with this hearty Finnish-inspired casserole! Creamy mashed potatoes, infused with earthy rutabagas and parsnips, are topped with sweet caramelized onions for a truly unforgettable flavor combination. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Find the full recipe and more delicious potato creations at PotatoPatchRecipes.com.

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Inexpensive Side Dishes Course Dietary

Adders Fork Glazed Carrots Parsnips Zwt Three

A delightful British-inspired recipe! These glazed carrots and parsnips are incredibly easy to make – just two simple steps from stovetop to oven. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly tender, this side dish is perfect for any occasion. Easily substitute turnips for parsnips. Get ready to impress!

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Course Low Sodium Low Calorie Course

Aromatic Parsnips And Carrots

Experience a flavor explosion with this irresistible recipe for Aromatic Parsnips & Carrots! Sweet parsnips and carrots are perfectly complemented by zesty lemon, fragrant fennel, warm cinnamon, and a hint of garlic. Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens, this easy 30-minute recipe is a must-try for a delicious and healthy side dish or light meal. #parsnips #carrots #lemon #cinnamon #fennel #side dish #easyrecipe #healthyrecipe #betterhomesandgardens

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Course Seasonal Equipment Occasion

Autumn Chicken With Harvest Vegetables

Cozy up to the delicious flavors of fall with this Autumn Chicken with Harvest Vegetables recipe! Imagine: crisp autumn air, vibrant leaves crunching underfoot, and the irresistible aroma of roasted chicken and fresh-from-the-garden vegetables filling your kitchen. This winning (2008 Craze-e Crockpot Cooking Contest!) recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers a heartwarming meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and fragrant thyme combine for a dish that will nourish your soul and leave you feeling wonderfully satisfied. Get ready for a taste of autumn you won't forget!

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60 Minutes Or Less Lunch Occasion Preparation

Baked Veggie Chips

Crispy, colorful, and healthy! These baked veggie chips are a delicious and fun snack or side dish, perfect for kids and adults alike. Using seasonal white and sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, and carrots, this recipe transforms simple vegetables into irresistible crunchy delights. Thinly sliced and seasoned to perfection, these chips are a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies. Inspired by Nick Jr. Family Magazine.

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Kosher Easy Main Ingredient Yams Sweet Potatoes

Balsamic Honey Roasted Root Vegetables

Impress your taste buds with this easy, budget-friendly Balsamic Honey Roasted Root Vegetable recipe! Perfect for cozy fall and winter evenings, this dish is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Roast until tender and caramelized, then enjoy it hot or cold – delicious on its own, or tossed with spring greens and a vibrant balsamic or goddess dressing. Easily customizable with your favorite root vegetables like celery root, baking potatoes, or red beets. A stress-free recipe even beginners can master!

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Chicken Whole Chicken Onions Carrots

Barefoot Contessa's Homemade Chicken Stock

Ina Garten's classic chicken stock recipe from her beloved 'Barefoot Contessa Family Style' cookbook (2002). This recipe yields a deeply flavorful, rich stock perfect for soups, sauces, and more! Learn how to make restaurant-quality chicken stock from scratch with this easy-to-follow guide. #chickensoup #homemade #stock #inagarten #barefootcontessa #recipe

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Preparation Stews 4 Hours Or Less Course

Beef Stew Cobbler

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Beef Stew Cobbler! This hearty, one-dish wonder features a rich and flavorful beef stew topped with a flaky, savory biscuit crust. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, despite its impressive presentation. Even if you're missing a parsnip, substitutions are easy – use a potato, turnip, or extra carrot.

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3 Steps Or Less Vegetarian Time To Make For 1 Or 2

Let's Go Green Fruit And Vegetable Juice

Boost your health with this vibrant green juice, perfect for your high-speed blender! This recipe, originally from a 2008 clean-eating guide, combines celery (for stronger bones, joints, skin, hair, and nails) and broccoli (renowned for its anti-cancer properties and potential to combat H. pylori bacteria) for a delicious and nutritious drink. Get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals in just minutes!

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Preparation Easy Low In Something Vegetables

Parsnips With Almonds

Sweet and spicy roasted parsnips tossed with crunchy almonds and a zesty lemon glaze. This 17-minute recipe is a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any meal!

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Preparation Soups Stews Preparation Equipment

Tasty Chicken Fennel Soup In A Crock Pot

Warm up your autumn evenings with this hearty and flavorful Crock-Pot Chicken Fennel Soup! This thick, stew-like soup is bursting with the tastes of fall – fennel, carrots, apples, and tender chicken simmered to perfection. Easily customizable to your liking, it's the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Perfect for meal prepping and a crowd-pleaser for family and friends.

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