Curried Parsnip Mash Food

PARSNIP MASH

Steps:

• Peel and roughly chop 2 pounds parsnips. Cook in boiling salted water until soft, about 20 minutes; drain. Puree with 3 tablespoons butter; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
• Use a food processor or immersion blender to puree these veggies-they're too fibrous for a potato masher.

JAZZED-UP PARSNIP MASH

Steps:

• Cut the parsnips into large, fairly evensized chunks: the skinny end will make one chunk, then either halve or quarter the bulky part lengthways, remove the core, and cut into similar-sized pieces.
• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil, tip in the parsnips and cook briskly for 10-15 minutes, half-covered, until tender but not slushy. Drain well, then return parsnips to the saucepan.
• Push the parsnips to one side and put the butter, spices and plenty of ground black pepper into the space. Return the saucepan to a very low heat and let the butter melt, the spices warm through and the parsnips continue to dry for a few minutes.
• Now add the milk and oil and mash the parsnips vigorously, until smooth. (They won't look as smooth as potato mash but a quick taste will tell you if there are any lumps left.) Adjust the seasoning, if necessary, and serve immediately.

CURRIED PARSNIP SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute onion and carrot in butter until onion is tender. Add parsnips; cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in broth and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until parsnips are tender. , Cool slightly. In a blender, process soup in batches until smooth. Return all to the pan; stir in milk and heat through.

PARSNIP-POTATO MASH

Steps:

• Put the potatoes and parsnips in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, cover with cold water and salt it generously. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium and simmer until fork tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Put the butter and half-and-half in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
• Drain the potatoes and parsnips well and return them to the hot pan. Stir the vegetables in the pan to dry them out a bit. Add the hot butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives.