Sweet & Nutty Perfection: Caramelized Parsnips
If you’re searching for a side dish that strikes the perfect balance between earthy and sweet, caramelized parsnips with hazelnuts and honey might be just what you need. This dish pairs tender, golden-brown parsnips with the crunch of hazelnuts and a drizzle of warm honey for an irresistible flavor combination.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Parsnips are often underrated, but their natural sweetness shines when roasted to golden perfection. Adding hazelnuts brings a satisfying crunch, while honey ties everything together with its rich, floral sweetness. This dish is versatile enough for a holiday table or a weeknight dinner.
“The nutty aroma of toasted hazelnuts and the caramelized edges of roasted parsnips make this dish an unforgettable culinary experience.”
How to Make Caramelized Parsnips
Preparing this side dish is easier than you might think. Below is a placeholder for the recipe details, which you can follow to achieve perfect caramelized parsnips every time:
Recipe: Caramelized Parsnips with Hazelnuts and Honey
Caramelized Parsnips with Hazelnut Crunch
Nutrition
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Zester
Ingredients
For the Parsnips
- 500 g parsnips peeled and sliced into thin wedges
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Hazelnut Crunch
- 0.5 cup hazelnuts toasted and roughly chopped
- 1 tsp thyme leaves fresh
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
Preparing the Parsnips
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil.
- Once the butter melts, add the parsnips in a single layer.
- Sauté for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
Adding the Flavor
- Drizzle honey over the parsnips and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper, then cook for another 2 minutes to allow the honey to caramelize.
- Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze a little lemon juice over the parsnips.
Preparing the Hazelnut Crunch
- In a small bowl, combine toasted hazelnuts, thyme leaves, lemon zest, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Mix well to distribute the flavors.
Serving
- Transfer the caramelized parsnips to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle the hazelnut crunch generously over the top.
- Garnish with additional thyme leaves or parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
In under 40 minutes, you can create a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying to eat. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something special.
Tips for Success
- Parsnip Prep: Peel the parsnips and cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Hazelnut Toasting: Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Honey Drizzle: Add the honey just before serving to maintain its glossy texture and fresh taste.
The Perfect Pairing
These caramelized parsnips pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or a hearty grain salad. The nutty, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors complement a variety of main courses.
Ready to Try?
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for yourself, this recipe for caramelized parsnips with hazelnuts and honey is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!
Share your creations and tweaks in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you made this dish your own!
