Parsnips with Horseradish and Chives
Mario Batali

 

Parsnips with Horseradish and Chives

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Earthy, complex parsnips make for the perfect side dish

Parsnips are a quintessential cold weather vegetable. They look like carrots but are white and somewhat sweeter, characteristically starchy with a hint of citrus.

Like many of the tastiest foodstuffs, parsnips were once a staple among the poor in Italy and elsewhere in Europe. When the potato came from the New World and disseminated throughout the continent, parsnips fell out of favor. For centuries, they were used almost exclusively as animal feed.

Parsnips are complex in flavor, remarkably versatile and easy to cook. Their earthiness works well in broths and soups but also comes through when roasted or braised.

I like to slice parsnips thinly and cook them with rendered pancetta for a simultaneously crisp and toothsome pasta sauce. Don't crisp the slivers like potato chips, just cook all the way through and toss with spaghetti and a few ladles of pasta water.

I even serve parsnips instead of mashed potatoes as a Thanksgiving side, adding Yukon gold potatoes and yams. The combination of sweet potato and parsnip might seem like it would be too sweet, but it creates the perfect balance.

This dish works next to a turkey or with poultry or braised meet for weekday meals. It beautifully captures the flavors of autumn.

Parsnips with Horseradish and Chives

Recipe excerpted from "Molto Batali" (ecco, 2011)

Serves 8 to 10 as a side dish.

3 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch-long batonettes

1/4 cup plus 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup prosecco or champagne

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup plus 1 cup prepared white horseradish

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Preheat the oven to 400 F.

In a large roasting pan, toss the parsnips with the 4 teaspoons olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Add the prosecco, and stir. Place the pan in the oven and roast, stirring once or twice, until the parsnips are tender and the prosecco has been absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the butter and remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the butter has melted, remove from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of the horseradish. Add the parsley, chives and poppy seeds, and season with salt and pepper.

Pour the horseradish-herb butter over the warm roasted parsnips, and toss to coat. Serve in a warmed shallow bowl with the remaining 1 cup horseradish on the side.

Vegetarian Side-dish Recipe, Italian Cuisine

 

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Parsnips with Horseradish and Chives

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