Description
Honey Roasted Parsnips with Cranberries & Walnuts is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish perfect for adding a comforting, festive touch to any meal. Roasted to perfection with honey, thyme, and a hint of lemon zest, this recipe combines tender caramelized parsnips with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Parsnip Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Toppings
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
- â…“ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Coat Parsnips: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut parsnip sticks with olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme until they are evenly coated and well seasoned.
- Arrange Parsnips: Spread the coated parsnips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to allow even roasting and caramelization.
- Initial Roast: Roast the parsnips in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove the baking sheet and stir the parsnips to ensure they roast evenly on all sides.
- Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Sprinkle the dried cranberries and roughly chopped walnuts evenly over the partially roasted parsnips.
- Final Roast: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the parsnips are tender and caramelized and the walnuts are toasted.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with lemon zest for a fresh citrus note, then serve warm as a flavorful side dish to your main meal.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
- Use fresh thyme or rosemary for a brighter herb flavor if available.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
- Ensure parsnip sticks are cut evenly to promote uniform roasting.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
