Parsnips are root vegetable and look almost like carrots, although they are whiter in color and taste like a mix of carrots and sweet potato. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and can replace carrots or potatoes easily in any dish. Since they are sweeter in taste, they can also be used in making sweet dishes by mashing. There are a number of ways to prepare parsnips but the most common way is to boil them and then further use them in dishes. Here’s a guide that will help you in the task of preparing parsnips, the right way. Go on.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Resources Required:
1. Parsnips
2. Drinking water
3. Container
4. Peeler
5. Knife
6. Strainer
7. Fork or spoon
Instructions:
1. Peel the Parsnips
Peel the skin of parsnips and wash them properly. Then cut and remove both the side edges of this vegetable.
2. Cut them into pieces
Depending upon its further use, take a knife and cut the parsnips into large or small chunks.
3. Boil water
Take a container and add four cups of drinking water. Put the container on the stove and bring it to a boil.
4. Put parsnips into boiled water
Put all the chopped parsnips into the boiling water and keep it for about 15 minutes or until the parsnips have become soft.
5. Strain the parsnips into another container
Take a strainer and pour out the boiled parsnips into it. You can also either use the boiled water as vegetable stock or remove it. Now mash the parsnips with a fork or use it as it is during preparation of your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I store parsnips?
Parsnips can be stored in a plastic bag and kept in the refrigerator for about 10 days. Be careful that you remove the green leaves on the top portion of the vegetable; otherwise, you may not be able to store it for long. Also, parsnips can be stored for a day or two by boiling the chopped pieces and keeping them in the refrigerator.
2. How to bake parsnips?
Parsnips can also be baked and used in making dishes. For baking, you first need to boil them for about 5-10 minutes and then put them in a greased baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes or until tender. Then you can use these parsnips in the preparation of your dishes.
Quick Tips:
1. Prepared parsnips can be used in a variety of dishes. They are just like any other vegetable.
2. You can also use raw parsnips in salads. You first need to wash them and then chop them into small pieces and add them in your salads. But these parsnips should be small and tender.
3. You can also eat boiled and mashed parsnips by sautéing them with herbs and adding a bit of salt and pepper.
Things To Watch Out For:
1. If the parsnips are large in size, then be careful that you remove the bitter core from the centre just like you do with carrots.
2. Chopped or peeled parsnips should also not be kept in open for long. They should either be instantly used or put in a container covered with enough water, adding a few drops of lemon juice.
3. The leaves of parsnips are not edible as they contain harmful toxins. They should also not be touched with bare hands.
