Homemade Parsnip Gnocchi with Rucola Cashew Pesto

 Parsnip Gnocchi (02) by MeetaK

Rock solid! That’s what the ice on my windscreen this morning was. It was so hard that here was no way my ice scraper was going to break any ice. At -5 degrees C my hands were freezing onto anything that had the slightest bit of moistness!

Winter has settled down comfortably in our parts. There was beautiful snow all through the Thanksgiving weekend and this week it’s been a bit dull, cold and icy.

My neighbor looked appalled; she too was having her trouble with getting her car ice-free.

I laughed and said “We’re getting rid of a lot of calories this way!”

I still cannot believe December is here already! It’s incredible how the year has raced past. If I was to do a résumé now I would say 2008 was a very good year for me and my family – just like my dad promised.

The neat thing is he says 2009 is going to be even better. Well bring it on.

Before I start jumping the gun and imagining all that is to come in 2009 I still have a lot planned for December. There will be cookies, cakes and Christmas to look forward to and I will be sharing all with you. For now I am setting the mood with my new Winter banner.

Between the Thanksgiving turkey and the Christmas roast we’re trying to eat good, healthy food. Not too heavy and just plain down to earth. One vegetable that keeps finding its way into my shopping basket each week is parsnip. I love the sweet mellow flavor parsnips have and the fact that they are not fattening with a mere 20 Kcal. per 100g makes them my current favorite vegetable.

Parsnips

Parsnip by MeetaK

To many, parsnips may seem like an exotic vegetable, however this vegetable has been around since ancient times.

Parsnips belong to the same family as celery, carrots, and parsley. A rosette of celery-like leaves grows from the top of the whitish, fleshy root. Parsnips look like white-yellow carrots, but the resemblance stops there. Parsnips boast of a more delightful flavor when cooked, which is sweeter than carrots. Raw, parsnips are slightly pungent with a tangy bite to them. In medieval times they even had a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Until the potato arrived from the New World, its place in dishes was occupied by the parsnip. Similar to carrots, parsnips are a native of Eurasia, originating in the Mediterranean region. Originally, parsnips were only the size of of a baby carrot when fully grown, however, when the Roman Empire moved north through Europe they found that the parsnip grew bigger the further north they went.

Often parsnips are boiled and mashed like potatoes or in combination with them. One can also use parsnips to enliven soups and pilaf for a delicate and sweet aroma or as a buttery side on their own or when fried as crispy fritters they add more texture and flavor than potatoes.

Health Benefits of Parsnips
The parsnip is richer in vitamins and minerals than its close relative the carrot. Parsnips are also a very good source of potassium and therefore can be considered a health food as they can help reduce blood pressure. They also contain many of the B vitamins and vitamin C although this is reduced through cooking.

In comparison to potatoes parsnips are lower in calories and contain more fibre. Parsnips also provide a much better source of folic acid than potatoes.

Selecting, Storing and Preparing Parsnips
Parsnips are available year-round in some grocery stores but they are easier to find in winter and early spring. The later parsnips are harvested, the sweeter they will taste, as the extra time and a frost help turn the starch into sugar.

When selecting parsnips, choose small- to medium-sized vegetables as these will be less fibrous and more tender. Make sure they are not "hairy" with rootlets or have obvious blemishes. The skin should be fairly smooth, firm and not shriveled. If the parsnip greens are still attached, they should look fresh and vibrant.

Before refrigerating, clip off any attached greens as they will drain moisture from the root. Parsnips stored in your crisper drawer in a loosely closed plastic bag will keep for a couple of weeks.

Scrub parsnips well, with a small brush, before using. As with carrots, trim both ends and cut off the top to avoid pesticide residues. Scrape or peel a thin layer of skin before or after cooking. I recommend to do it after as the parsnips will be sweeter and full of more nutrients.

Peeled or cut parsnips will turn brown quickly, so either cook them right away or keep them in a bowl of water with a bit of lemon juice added, then drain and cook.

There are several ways of enjoying parsnips, my favorite however is roasting them. Tossed with some olive oil and fresh thyme, bake in an oven and your parsnips will come out sweet and fragrant.

Parsnips can be substituted for potatoes and similarly mashed, cut or whole. You can add parsley, basil or rosemary for a savory flavor to compliment the sweetness of the parsnips.

Parsnips are also great in soups and stews. Make sure you add them near the end of cooking time so they do not become mushy. Parsnips can also be used to make a flavorful stock, or pureed for a tasty soup thickener.

In this recipe I have used parsnips together with potatoes to make delicious homemade gnocchi. A long time ago I showed you how to make basic gnocchi. This takes you to the next level! On their own they really are a delicacy but paired with a piquant rucola cashew pesto this becomes a heavenly meal.

 Parsnip Gnocchi (01) by MeetaK

Recipe: Homemade Parsnip Gnocchi

Ingredients
Printable version of recipe here.

700g potatoes, cut into cubes and steamed for approx. 20 minutes
300g parsnips, cut into cubes and steamed for approx. 10 minutes
120g cornstarch
3 egg yolks
Flour
Salt and pepper
Nutmeg

Method

Take the warm potatoes and parsnips and mash them finely or put them through a ricer. Allow to cool a bit.

In a bowl mix the potato and parsnip purée with the yolks, cornstarch, slat, pepper and nutmeg. Incorporate well until you get a soft and smooth dough-type mixture.

If the mixture is still too moist and another 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch.

Sprinkle some flour on the countertop and roll the parsnip-potato dough into sausage-like forms . about 3 cm in diameter.

With a sharp knife cut about 2cm thick disks. With a floured fork gently press the gnocchi disks down.

Allow the gnocchi to rest for 10 minutes.

In a large pot bring plenty of salt water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and simmer for 4-6 minutes. Take out with a slotted spoon. 

Heat some oil in a large skillet and gently brown the gnocchi on both sides until slightly golden. Serve on pre-warmed plates with rucola cashew pesto.

 

Recipe: Homemade Rucola Cashew Pesto

Ingredients
Printable version of recipe here.

2 bunches rucola, washed and stems trimmed
80g cashew nuts, dry roasted
50g fresh parmesan, grated
1-2 garlic cloves
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly cracked pepper
Hint of chili
Pinch of sugar

Method

Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until mixture is coarsely chopped.

Keep pulsing and start to pour the olive oil little by little, until you get a creamy, paste-like consistency.

The pesto can be stored in air-tight jars for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

 


Verdict

Parsnip Gnocchi (03) by MeetaK

Gnocchi is a big favorite here and this is a great and healthy variation to the purely potato gnocchi. The parsnips lend their wonderful sweet and mellow flavor, paired with the piquant pesto this is such a powerful dish. If pesto is not your thing this works perfectly with sage butter too. A light green salad and you have a brilliant dinner!

If you are looking for a sugar fix then please come on over to my latest article on Foodie: Delightful Desserts.

The latest issue of Dessert Magazine is out now. This issue takes you around the world of cookies, including my recipe of vanilla kipferl. Flick through the brand new online magazine and drool over all the lovely pictures. You'll find mine of page 62 ;-).

You might like these parsnip dishes from WFLH:

Bulgur Mixed Veg and Feta 03 framed ChestnutPotatoSoup 06 Minestrone 03 framed
Bulgur with Vegetables and Feta Chestnut Potato and Parsnip Soup Minestrone and Pesto

Don't Forget

MM low-sugar sweet treats


This month the team over at the Daily Tiffin are hosting the Monthly Mingle. We are all looking forward and eagerly awaiting your ideas and creations to this session's theme - Low-Sugar Treats. Come on over and share your healthy treats.

The deadline is December 8th, 2008. See you there.

 


All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2008 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First

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30 comments:

  1. Gnocchis look so tempting - I think you will have me making some tomorrow:). Glad you are having a good time - the least bit of cold we have is around 20 deg. C. so I am envying you:). We could do with some cold here!

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  2. I love that root vegetable and it's refined taste! Your gnocchi dish looks fabulous! A gorgeous recipe!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. How clever to use the parsnip in a gnocchi! And that sauce has me drooling Meeta...beautifully presented as always!

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  4. Parsnip goncchi is such a good idea! I just learned how to make potato gnocchi and ricotta gnocchi, but this sounds even more wonderful.

    I actually love parsnips and the extra nutrition is an added bonus!

    Sues

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  5. love how you have played with the lights in this set! The photos are gorgeous, specially the reflectiong on the wine.
    Its been ages since I made gnocchi's, will try it with parsnip soon. Have only roasted them until now. The new look is great as always :) Happy winter!
    And we are having a lot of snow and ice too :( I use a de-icer liquid, too lazy to burn cals :D

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  6. lovely... we don't get parsnips here... do you think carrots will work... If nothing else, my gnocchis will be very colourful... especially with a green pesto :-)

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  7. Feel free to send a little cold my way...I'm still in a tank top and wouldn't mind a chance to wear my fuzzy cardi ;)

    Parsnip is not a vegetable we see here really -- unless imported. I've been quite curious about it! Cashews on the other hand are common -- either way this dish sounds delicious!!! :)

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  8. i'd love to see some snow! miss the seasons.
    the pesto sounds rich and delicious.

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  9. TONS of snow and ice here as well. Blah!!

    Lovely pasta dish!!

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  10. What a gorgeous dish! Love the addition of parsnips :-)

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  11. Parsnips in gnocchi? Now that's ingenious, Meeta. :)

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  12. I'm not a huge lover of gnocchi, but I am going to try it with the pesto!
    and parsnips.
    I will buy the gnocchi though, it takes so long to make.
    They are so laid back in Italy, spending all day prepping, no wonder they came up with gnocchi!
    lovely blog

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  13. What an interesting twist on gnocchi! And BRRRRRR... I'm cold just reading about you scraping the ice off of your windshield!

    We received your package and Jacob was thrilled to pieces (as was I with the facial mask. Thank you!)
    Jacob has been plotting what to send back now and has some creative ideas :) Can you email me your address? I accidentally threw the envelope away.
    Thanks, dear :)

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  14. Another amazing post with even more amazing photos. I have had some parsnips in the fridge for weeks now (leftovers from our CSA basket) that I've been avoiding eye contact with for some time. I just can't stand them, but I've never seen such an inventive way to use them before.

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  15. Looks great, as always Meeta. What a wonderful idea to include some parsnips, to add more flavor to gnocchi. Just one question: Is it possible to boil the potatoes and parsnips rather than steaming them? My steamer is pretty small :).

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  16. gosh, i haven't gnocchi in about 4 years. ur picture looks divine!

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  17. Hi Meeta, Nice post.

    Sorry for bothering you again. Could you please tel me where can i find glucose syrup and corn syrup here in Germany. Wanted to know this for the DB challenge. Its a request.
    Thank you

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  18. I just bought some parsnips because I had never had them before, but I didn't know how I was going to make them. This sounds wonderful!

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  19. Nothing beats homemade gnocchi! What a great and tasty spin on a classic!

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  20. Would love this for a light lunch. I love parsnips and I am the only one in the family eats them, so I bet I will finish this all myself hahaha!!!

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  21. Hi Meeta,

    These are some new vegetables for me, the pic looks so tempting. I am not sure though I'll get them here in Bangalore.
    I had one query, how to make that copyright sign in watermark, like the one you have done to the parnsip pic. Please advice.

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  22. Here to the winter has started. Last weekend we even had a bit of wnow.
    I have never cooked with parnsips.
    Gnocchi look super delicious.

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  23. I love your new winter banner! When I saw the parsnips, they made me smile. For a long time I was confusing parsnips with turnips. I find turnips rather bitter. But parsnips are so sweet! I roasted them with other vegetables for a winter soup and it was wonderful!

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  24. thanks everyone. yes parsnips make a great change in the traditional gnocchi. i am sure even those who do not enjoy parsnips will really like the combination of flavor here. otherwise you can use carrots too!

    Enjoy!

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  25. Thanks for the info on parsnips. It's definitely something that's exotic to me. Love the detail in your posts.

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  26. Great recipe. I think my wife would love this dish.

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  27. Ah, you beat me. I was waiting to come across some nice parsnips for gnocchi. Love 'em. Beautifully captured.

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  28. If I didn't know any better I thought those were scallops.

    I always feel slightly guilty for eating parsnips because it is a white starch with the same amount of calories as white bread which is no good. But since it's got so many nutrients I can rationalise happily ever after. ;-)

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  29. Too lovely for words Meeta, fresh, clean and yet so comforting!!

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Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hugs
Meeta