Description
A simple, healthy, and delicious side dish featuring caramelized parsnips tossed in a sweet and savory maple glaze. Ready in under 35 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch coins or half-moons
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A or B)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel the parsnips and cut them into uniform 1-inch coins or half-moons. Rinse in a colander and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika (if using) to form a glaze.
- Add the dried parsnips to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated in the glaze.
- Line a half-sheet pan (18×13 inches) with parchment paper. Spread the parsnips in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Roast for 10 minutes, then remove the pan and toss the parsnips to ensure even browning.
- Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot. Optional: Top with toasted pecans or walnuts.
Notes
Ensure parsnips are completely dry before tossing in oil to promote caramelization rather than steaming. Cut parsnips into uniform sizes for even cooking. Do not crowd the pan; roast in batches if necessary. Maple syrup can burn easily, so check the dish during the last 5 minutes of roasting. If using honey instead of maple syrup, lower the oven temperature slightly as honey burns faster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: roasted parsnips, maple glazed vegetables, healthy side dish, vegan side dish, gluten-free recipe, easy dinner sides, fall recipes, roasted root vegetables