Parsnip Party

As we celebrate all things fall with seasonal produce inspired recipes, we can't help but feel bad for the less "popular" vegetable crops. We think it's about time we invite them to fall recipe party. Take parsnip for example, an easily forgotten root vegetable that almost looks and tastes like a carrot, but isn't....

Though not a carrot, parsnips are a closely related root vegetable but have a pale color and more mild taste. Parsnips are also starchier than carrots which lend them better to cooked preparations similar to the potato. Then why choose parsnip over potato or carrot? Because v-a-r-i-e-t-y is the basis of a well-rounded, wholesome, and nourishing diet. Every plant provides its own unique profile of nutrients that we can benefit from, especially if we vary the type of foods eaten week to week and season to season. Specifically, parsnip provides double the amount of fiber per serving than potato - definitely an added bonus for a food not generally considered "healthy," fries. Though we gave them a healthier spin with the use of parsnip and a baked (not fried) preparation. 

Parsnip Greek Fries
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes (includes roasting time)
Servings: 2

Ingredients
2 parsnips
1 Tbsp ghee, melted
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp sea salt (reserve 1/8 tsp to sprinkle over the top once out of the oven)
2 oz feta cheese
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Preheat oven to 450 degrees and line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Wash parsnips then use a vegetable peeler to peel off outer skin. Cut parsnips into long skinny sticks. Toss parsnips with melted ghee and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp sea salt. Roast in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once for even cooking. Adjust oven to the broiler setting and broil fries for ~2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove fries from the oven, sprinkle with remaining 1/8 tsp sea salt, chopped parsley, dried oregano, feta, and lemon juice. Toss fries until evenly coated then serve immediately. Fries taste best hot and crispy right out of the oven. Enjoy!

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If these pictures aren't enough to persuade you let us explain that these fries are the perfect combination of salty and sweet thanks to the subtly sweet parsnip. The lemon and herbs brighten each bite rounded by a richness from the feta. This recipe is truly not to be missed. After you've tried it, we hope you agree that it's about time to invite parsnips to your party. 

Enjoy,
​Jess and Cecelia 

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