Ode to Parsnip Fries

on October 13, 2010
in All Posts

Parsnip, you are a truly wonderful vegetable.

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Especially when I cut you up and make you into little “fries.”

 

Have you not experimented with parsnip?  It’s so delicious.  It tastes like a cross between a carrot, spices, and a potato, and when you slice it, coat with olive oil and salt, and roast at 400 degrees for thirty minutes, the result is…

 

Well, it’s pretty amazing.  I really LOVE parsnip fries.

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I also had some toast, hummus, and fresh basil on the side.  What a perfectly lovely lunch.

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What vegetable are you loving lately, and what’s your favorite way to prepare it?

{ 111 comments }

 

  • Leanne @ Simplicitlee October 13, 2010, 1:25 pm

    I’m LOVING the cauliflower mashed “potatoes” …. it’s such a simple side to any meal but it’s so filling! Plus it takes like 5 minutes to make..

    Thanks to you for giving me the idea/recipe! 😉

  • amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler October 13, 2010, 1:25 pm

    I picked up some acorn squash from the farmers market this morning and will be preparing and (hopefully) enjoying them for the first time later this week!

    Also, I’m excited to test out our new knives on a spaghetti squash I also picked up. Before now, my boyfriend would use a saw to crack it open.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin October 13, 2010, 1:27 pm

    I haven’t had any parsnips yet this season – must get on that!

    I have been loving all types of squash now that it’s fall. Last night I had spaghetti squash, but I’ve also been into butternut, acorn, and really want to try kabocha!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 13, 2010, 1:30 pm

    Yumm I want some now! I’ve been making all kinds of fries lately with squash and sweet potatos. Maybe fries need to be a food group? 😉

    • kelsey @ un-american in france October 13, 2010, 4:18 pm

      I’m living in northern France right now (in Lille) and fries are definitely a food group here. Last week for lunch, I was asked “fries or pasta?” I think it’s insane!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete October 13, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I am about to turn into a sweet potato or spaghetti squash. I can’t get enough!

  • yummieecupcake October 13, 2010, 1:34 pm

    oooh i remember early this year u used to post a lot of parsnip fries and i’d always follow yours and eat it almost all the time. that was my first time eating parsnip (even my mum’s first time)!

    i’d have to say i’ve been eating lots of steamed veggies but i really really like roasted veggie fries!!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary) October 13, 2010, 1:37 pm

    Right now I am really lovin’ on sweet potato… Last night I made…

    http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/10/black-bean-sweet-potato-enchilada.html

    …which I thought was fun bc it wasn’t just my usual baked ‘tater with toppings.

    A close second is plain ole steamed b-sprouts… not sure why, just diggin’ them that way atm.

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life October 13, 2010, 1:38 pm

    I had never even thought of parsnip fries until I started reading your blog. But now I love them, and so does my husband. Right now I’m really loving turnip.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday October 13, 2010, 1:38 pm

    I like parsnips raw with hummus. : d

  • Kelly October 13, 2010, 1:39 pm

    Still loving sweet potatoes and zucchinis!

  • Christine October 13, 2010, 1:41 pm

    I’ve never had parsnip believe it or not. I see it “fried” like this on blogs all the time. Hmmmm

    I’ve been on a beet kick lately. I’ll roast them in chunks and eat warm, or boil them whole, then peel and slice into a salad.

    Basically any veggie roasted is pretty freakin’ awesome though!

  • Rachel October 13, 2010, 1:44 pm

    I’ve never had parsnips before, but after seeing this post, I think I’ll have to try them out! Right now I have a pumpkin and a delicata squash from my sister’s garden, and I’m trying to figure out what to do with them – probably some sort of soup.

  • Anne October 13, 2010, 1:44 pm

    My favorite lately is the sweet potato, roasted “low and slow”, a la KERF 🙂 YUM!

    I have tried parsnips a couple of times, and have yet to get the hang of them. I’ll have to try again with the fries. I don’t think I’ve been cooking them long enough.

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) October 13, 2010, 1:48 pm

    I’ll add parsnip to my list of foods I want to try! Anything that is made into fries can’t be bad 🙂

  • Sarah October 13, 2010, 1:51 pm

    I love sweet potatoes! My favorite way to eat them is homemade sweet potato “fries.”

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write October 13, 2010, 1:52 pm

    I love (LOVE) raw persian cucumbers and roma tomatoes. I could eat them all day long with a little sea salt. It’s almost an addiction lol.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) October 13, 2010, 1:53 pm

    That sounds pretty incredible! I will definitely give them a try! I have been loving red peppers lately. I don’t know why, but they were on sale the other day and I loaded up on them. I love them roasted with baby bellas! Perfect combination!

  • Heather October 13, 2010, 1:54 pm

    Lately I’ve been eating zuchinis, sliced and sauteed…plain and simple but tasty too. I’ve never tried parsnips fries. I’ve put parsnips in soups but that’s it. will have to try these some time.

  • Emily October 13, 2010, 1:54 pm

    I’m not sure why I haven’t tried parsnips…it’s on my list. But lately – I’m obsessed with okra fries. Heck, I like any veggies roasted.

  • Dorry October 13, 2010, 1:56 pm

    I’ve been eating a lot of mushrooms and spinach lately. There’s a brunch spot in NYC where I’d always get this black bean-mushroom-spinach mash. It’s amazing and I’ve been recreating it lately. Good anytime of day.

  • rachael (peace, kale, and yoga) October 13, 2010, 1:57 pm

    Yummy! Now i want another lunch.:)

    Butternut squash has been making me really happy lately.

  • Michele October 13, 2010, 2:02 pm

    We are LOVING roasted brussel sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms and sweet baby broccoli – so dee-lish!!

  • Katie @ Healthy Heddleston October 13, 2010, 2:03 pm

    I’m really in love with sweet potatoes right now and I just like roasting them.. esp in fry shapes!

  • Judi October 13, 2010, 2:04 pm

    Not very fall-ish, but I am always and forever loving celery. With peanut butter, or by itself. I love the crunch and crisp I get from it. I am all about texture and celery has the whole package!!
    Will be trying your parsnip fries! Look delish! Thanks!!

  • Colleen October 13, 2010, 2:06 pm

    I will have to give parsnips another try. Right now I am loving everything roasted, especially the winter squashes and radishes – deeeelicious.

  • Casey October 13, 2010, 2:07 pm

    Pumpkin – right out of the can! I spread it on whole wheat toast and top with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon sugar, chia seeds and agave nectar.

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! October 13, 2010, 2:08 pm

    I adore parsnips, too, as well as other root vegetables like sweet potatoes. I cut my parsnips in coins, spray them with some PAM and salt and pepper, and roast them at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Perfection! I’m also pretty obsessed with eggplant. I roast it the same way, and I eat it almost every day. It’s so delicious!

  • Ella October 13, 2010, 2:09 pm

    green beans ! i’ve eaten them (roasted at 375 for 20 minutes) every day for the past two weeks. I.. I can’t stop myself.

    You almost don’t need to dip them in ketchup….. but.. anything is better with ketchup.

  • Heather October 13, 2010, 2:11 pm

    Loving sauteed spinach lately!

  • Freya October 13, 2010, 2:13 pm

    My all-time favourite post – parsnips are my favourite vegetable 🙂

  • Kayla October 13, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Green beans! And little red potatoes, cubed and roasted in a little olive oil and Mediterranean sea salt and herb blend. Yum!

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story October 13, 2010, 2:13 pm

    Totally getting into the season and using a ton of butternut squash. I love it so! Also brussels sprouts just roasted with a little salt and pepper, yummy! 🙂

  • Sarah October 13, 2010, 2:18 pm

    I am all about the sweet potato fries lately. What kind of texture does parsnip have? Is it a potato?

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 2:20 pm

      more carrotlike

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad October 13, 2010, 2:19 pm

    I’m liking turnips! You can make “chips” with the greens and then roast the actual turnip in olive oil and salt…Mmmmmm

  • Michelle @ IronDivas October 13, 2010, 2:25 pm

    Spinach and broccoli are always my go-to favorites, I can eat them any kind of way. I have to try parsnips sometime.

  • Camille October 13, 2010, 2:27 pm

    I haven’t tried parsnips yet! You have inspired me to go get some!

  • Kasey October 13, 2010, 2:28 pm

    Right now I’m addicted to broccoli seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast roasted for about 15 minutes at 375°. So good! I definitely need to try parsnip fries 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman October 13, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I’m still loving zucchini. It’s 80 degrees here–I can’t move on to fall foods just yet.

  • Amanda (Eating Up) October 13, 2010, 2:29 pm

    I have to say I’m really loving snow peas! So sweet and delicious!

  • Alison (Ali on the Run) October 13, 2010, 2:30 pm

    I need you to be my personal chef! Everything you whip up is so unique and looks so delicious.

  • Rachel October 13, 2010, 2:30 pm

    I actually really love parsnips too. I like to roast them with brussels sprouts.
    Lately, though, I’ve been enjoying eggplant cooked on the grill. Too bad grilling season is kinda over!

  • Angela @ Making Food for Friends October 13, 2010, 2:31 pm

    I had thinly sliced oven-baked rutabaga “chips” a few nights ago—they were so good!! Where has rutabaga been my whole life?

  • grocery goddess jen October 13, 2010, 2:32 pm

    Squash, squash, and more squash! I love parsnips, but I think they’re pricier and I have a million acorn and butternut squash from a local farm, so I pretty much cut one up and throw it in the over like “fries” every single night! Delicious with some olive oil, salt, and cinnamon

  • Joanne October 13, 2010, 2:35 pm

    I’ll go with the parsnip fries. I love parsnips especially when I’m having a sweet craving melt down. That’s one veggie that will satisfy any out of control sweet tooth.

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe October 13, 2010, 2:37 pm

    I just can’t get enough onions! I’m craving them so badly lately I’m about ready to just bite into one like an apple. You know, I’ve only had parsnips in a stew and hated them, I’ll give them one more try in fry form.

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion October 13, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Mine is eggplant! I have made delicious eggplants fries a few times and I love them. So delicious!

  • Brigid October 13, 2010, 2:40 pm

    I’ve only ever made sweet potato fries…what can I say I just love them!

  • Dani @ Dani Does It October 13, 2010, 2:41 pm

    I heard somewhere that the inner part of a parsnip is woody and unpleasant so the couple times I have made parsnip fries, although they were delicious, I found cutting around the middle to be painstaking. Do you eat the middle part and if so, do you notice or mind it?

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 2:42 pm

      I eat the middle. When you’re roasting them and dunking them in ketchup, it doesn’t matter.

      • Dani @ Dani Does It October 13, 2010, 4:08 pm

        Thanks, Good to know! I’ll definitely make them more often now 🙂

        • Michele October 13, 2010, 4:15 pm

          Perfect – I had the SAME question!!

  • Charlie October 13, 2010, 2:47 pm

    Lately I’m a butternut squash lover ;). I love to make recipes with it, but I also love to eat half a baked squash with olive oil, salt & pepper!!

  • Laura @ Tidbits October 13, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I am definitely loving roasted broccoli and butternut squash lately. Mmmmmmmm.

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini October 13, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I am very much looking forward to parsnips coming back in my seasonal veg box (any week now). Himself does an awesome honey roast parsnip that is so delicious!

  • Amber K October 13, 2010, 2:57 pm

    I love parsnips raw, but I find that the fries are too sweet.

    I am loving various raw veggies right now. In their pure form dipped in a sauce or dressing. YUM!

  • Ashley October 13, 2010, 2:59 pm

    The photos are looking great! 😉

  • Andrea (@ Puppy Dog Tales) October 13, 2010, 2:59 pm

    Definitely a tie between roasted butternut squash and any kind of pumpkin (but mainly in my oats). YUM…i’d love to try parsnips. My boys will eat anything that I call “fries”. 🙂

  • Nicole October 13, 2010, 3:02 pm

    Brussel sprouts! Simply roasted with EVOO and garlic pepper. I haven’t had parsnips on their own yet, but I’ll see if I can score some this weekend at the market.

  • Claire (Low Impact Fashionista) October 13, 2010, 3:05 pm

    Oooh I have never tried parsnip…now I feel inspired to try it! And of course my favorite vegetable to eat lately is squash, I usually roast it in spices.

  • Little Bookworm October 13, 2010, 3:08 pm

    Love parsnips! 😀 They are great in soups/casseroles as well.

  • Allison October 13, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I’m going to have to try parsnip! It will be a first for me. Right now I’m loving my butternut squash fries and roasted eggplant.

  • Carolina October 13, 2010, 3:13 pm

    I’ve never had parsnip but will make sure to give it a try. These fries look amazing!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa October 13, 2010, 3:18 pm

    I honey roasted parsnips a few weeks ago and they were delicious!

  • Cynthia October 13, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I’ve never tried parsnip fries before, but I think I might have to now that you made them look so tempting!

    I am loving sweet potatoes right now. I just put them in the oven and make fries out of them – spicy fries with parika, garlic powder, a little olive oil. Mmmm, yummy

  • Jamie @ Food in Real Life October 13, 2010, 3:32 pm

    I’m loving squash- butternut in particular, and I have been into eating it with TJ’s pumpkin butter!

  • Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life October 13, 2010, 3:33 pm

    I haven’t had them recently, but I have been craving radishes a ton! I really need to go buy some.

  • Evan Thomas October 13, 2010, 3:51 pm

    I’ve been loving acorn squash from the farmers’ market–so delicious!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss October 13, 2010, 4:18 pm

    I first saw parsnip fries a long time ago and got the idea to make carrot fries instead. I’m sure parsnip fires are amazing..but carrots are way cheaper 😛 Something to fit into a college budget, anyway

  • Heather October 13, 2010, 4:21 pm

    I ahve been loving making PB and banana smoothies with spinach lately!

  • Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run October 13, 2010, 4:42 pm

    I love the parsnip fries. Lately I’ve been loving Portobello mushroom burgers with parsnip fries. I’ve made it 3 times in the last month or so. I also love me some roasted brussel sprouts. I rarely meet a veggie I don’t like.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) October 13, 2010, 4:45 pm

    oooh I havent had parsnip fries in so long! The best bit when I make them is that Mr BBB doesnt like parsnip so I them all to myself too!

  • lauren October 13, 2010, 4:45 pm

    brussels sprouts! Roasted, grilled, stir-fried. DELICIOUS

  • Haley October 13, 2010, 4:46 pm

    Ahh, THAT’s what parsnip is! Haha, the other day my husband and I were looking through a cooking mag at a root veggie curry and neither of us knew what it was (I have an excuse, I live in Hawai’i where we grow tropical fruits and veggies… my husband, on the other hand, grew up in Seattle). I’m interested to try it and to find out if we grow it locally here!

  • Stacey October 13, 2010, 5:08 pm

    I’ve been obsessed with potatoes lately. Fried, mashed, baked…ANYTHING! Sweet taters are on the menu for tonight 🙂 Never had a parsnip, but I try to buy one veggie that I’ve never tried at the grocery store each week, so that’s on my list for next week 😀

  • Halie October 13, 2010, 5:10 pm

    Yams! So good. Carrots! Delicious. Can’t beet orange vegetables. (you’re not supposed to explain your own jokes, but ‘beet’ was meant as a pun 🙂 )

  • Ariane October 13, 2010, 5:31 pm

    I just tried parsnip fries this week! I made Angela’s nut-butter crusted fries, and they would have been amaaazing except I burnt them to a crisp 🙁 But even being completely charred I could tell how great parsnips are! Definitely going to try again!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine October 13, 2010, 5:43 pm

    I love parsnip fries!! Lately I’ve been all about roasted onions though. Sounds kind of weird, but roasting brings out SO much flavor- they’re delicious!!

  • Laura October 13, 2010, 5:51 pm

    i am defintiely going to try this – i’m addicted to fries in their less-than-healthy form. 🙂

    right now i cannot get enough asparagus – roasted, sauteed, in my salads, eggs, with green eggs and ham… ha!

  • Katie @ peacebeme October 13, 2010, 5:54 pm

    I LOVE roasted eggplant lately! Just drizzle with a little olive oil and a lot of balsamic vinegar, add rosmary and thyme on top, and roast in the oven!

    I have never eaten a parsnip! Except maybe in a root vegetable soup…

  • Wei-Wei October 13, 2010, 6:24 pm

    I’ve never had parsnips before! I’ve been loving sweet potato lately. I just can’t get enough…

  • Shari October 13, 2010, 6:34 pm

    Off topic, but I just wanted to tell you that I finished your book today and truly enjoyed it! 🙂

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 6:50 pm

      Thank you so much!

  • BroccoliHut October 13, 2010, 7:00 pm

    Is it shameful to say that I have never had parsnips? Guess I need to get on that!

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat October 13, 2010, 7:27 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever had a parsnip! I really need to try some parsnip fries!

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous October 13, 2010, 7:29 pm

    I have yet to experiment with parsnips, but anything you can turn into a FRY is good in my book 😉 Yummm

  • Nikka B October 13, 2010, 7:36 pm

    I’ve really been loving steamed broccoli, the flavor is soo good. But I am having a harder & harder time ignoring all the squashes at the Farmer’s Market! I think they will be my new staple soon!

  • Anne October 13, 2010, 7:38 pm

    Eggplant! I’ve been roasting in two ways — one with just basil and oregano and the other more of a middle eastern flavor with cumin and red pepper. I’m interested to try the parsnips though. Have to get over my fear of olive oil! Do you ever try jsut coating them lightly with spray and then seasoning and baking? Do you think that would work?

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 7:51 pm

      Yes, get over your fear of EVOO! It is sooo heart healthy and good for you! The fats in the oil helps your digestive system and makes your hair and nails shiny. You really don’t need too much oil to lightly coat the fries and trust me – its worth it.

    • Katherine October 14, 2010, 10:37 am

      Don’t fear olive oil, embrace it! My brother and sister-in-law just brought me back a bottle from Italy and I kind of want to go for a swim in it.

  • Melissa October 13, 2010, 7:58 pm

    I do not think I have ever had parsnip; I will definitely have to try it out. My favorite vegetable currently is green beans. Maybe just because I’ve been having them this week–cooked in an egg frittata and yesterday simmered on the stovetop with potatoes and canned tomatoes (+ meat, but could be done without).

  • Michelle from Nova Scotia October 13, 2010, 8:04 pm

    I loooooove roasting asparagus and sweet potato chunks in the oven with just a touch of olive oil. I could eat it every day!

    I also am incredibly in love with corn on the cob, yellow beans, and raw broccoli dipped in mashed avocado. om nom nom.

    A friend of mine grew a fresh spaghetti squash in her garden this year and gave it to me as a gift. I am going to try cooking it tomorrow! It’ll be the first time I’ve ever cooked OR eaten spaghetti squash, but hey, don’t knock it til you try it, right? 🙂

  • Wendy @ Seriously Sassy October 13, 2010, 8:32 pm

    Okay, I looked at the parsnips at the grocery store for like five straight minutes yesterday, debating whether or not to buy them. I didn’t, because I didn’t know what I’d do with them. Next time, they will be mine and I will make parsnip fries! Thanks, Caitlin!

  • kin October 13, 2010, 8:51 pm

    i’ve never even thought of trying parsnips until i saw your lovely pics a little while back! i love roasting vegetables so i decided to picked up some parsnips a few weeks ago at a farmers market.

    so i tried cutting them into fries just like yours..but ended up cutting the tip of my pinky! a trip to the ER, 3 stitches, and some glue and tape later, my finger was back together. when i got home, i had my boyfriend finish cutting them and threw them in the oven. they were delish, but i don’t think i’ll be buying them again anytime soon 🙂

    • Caitlin October 13, 2010, 9:14 pm

      omg you poor thing!!!!

  • Amanda Davis October 13, 2010, 8:51 pm

    I’m addicted to sweet potatoes in any and all forms, it’s so good i just can’t stop eating it.

  • Sarah @ Long Legs Healthy Life October 13, 2010, 8:53 pm

    You’ve convinced me to try parsnip fries! I’m going to try to get some at the farmer’s market on Friday!
    For the pat few weeks I have been obsessed with brussel sprouts. Tossed in evoo, salt and pepper. Roasted for 30 minutes at 400, and then drizzled with maple syrup. Amazing! I just love fall produce so much!!

  • Chelsea at Striking Balance October 13, 2010, 9:16 pm

    Favourite vegetable.. Hmm. Right now, probably brussel sprouts! Finally coming back for the fall! I love them roasted with a little olive oil, pepper, and garlic salt!

  • Sara@RunningInPinkProject October 13, 2010, 9:42 pm

    I am loving warm spinach salads lately with cranberries. YUM!

  • Samaireh October 13, 2010, 10:08 pm

    I have been taking asparagus spears and wrapping them in aluminum foil with lemon juice and peppercorns, and then grilling. It makes the asparagus perfectly cooked – not too mooshy as if you had boiled it, and not shrunk as it so often turns out in the oven.

  • faith @ gracefulfitness October 13, 2010, 10:15 pm

    Romaine lettuce! I have always eaten it without much thought but lately I am really appreciating it’s flavor.

  • Jean@RoastedRootsPumpkinSpice October 13, 2010, 10:56 pm

    I’ve been meaning to try out parsnip fries for a long time after seeing it on so many blogs. I really need to get to it. They look so good!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 14, 2010, 9:17 am

    This has convinced me that I need to try these!

    Lately I’ve been loving squash. I’ve been eating up the leftovers of a spaghetti squash casserole from my Thanksgiving dinner. I also have an acorn squash that I want to bake for tonight’s dinner!

  • Sara October 14, 2010, 9:18 am

    What’s your favorite flavor of hummus and why? I love sweet potatoes, baked in the oven w/ skins on (350 for nearly an hour) and then pulling away the skin and eating them plain 🙂 Simple, but good. Naturally sweet. I will def. try some parsnips!

    • Caitlin October 14, 2010, 10:09 am

      Oh, hmm. I don’t think I have a favorite. I can eat all hummus!

  • Katie October 14, 2010, 11:03 am

    I’m in love with persimmons lately. Most people don’t know what they are but they are so so sooooooooooooooooooo good!

  • Ravenous Rowie October 15, 2010, 9:45 pm

    That is such a good idea! I have done the same with sweet potatoes, but not parsnips! Now I know what to do with them, other than toss them into soup!

  • Khak October 20, 2010, 2:23 pm

    Made these last night, oh my! They were delish. And I just had the leftovers for lunch. Thank you for introducing me to a new vegetable!

    • Caitlin October 20, 2010, 5:59 pm

      glad you loved them!

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