Chili Topped Parsnip Wedges

I have no idea why I didn’t do this sooner. I love chili and I always make it in a big crock pot batch, which means I always have leftover chili. Why did it take me so long to pour it all over some tasty oven baked parsnip wedges?

Chili Topped Parsnip Wedges from http://meatified.com #paleo #glutenfree #whole30

Sometimes I wonder where my mind wanders off to when it’s busy ignoring such an obviously awesome idea. Originally, I was going to make this with sweet potatoes. Which I’m sure would also be a party in your mouth. But there’s something really fantastic here about the more subtle sweetness of the parsnip wedges, since they’re balanced by that homey, comforting earthiness, too.

How to make Parsnip Wedges

Sure, you can just roast the parsnip wedges after tossing them in a little oil. But I’ve found the best way to make parsnip wedges is to parboil them a little first. Why? It really helps to break down the fibrous center of the parsnip root. Which means you don’t have to oven roast them for as long as you might think, or risk burning them while trying to cook them through.

Here’s what you do:

  • Peel your parsnips and chop off the ends. Cut each parsnip in half widthways so that one half of the parsnip is the thicker fuller top end and the other half is the skinnier bottom end.
  • Cut the top ends in half lengthways, then cut each half again into quarters.
  • Cut the bottom ends in half lengthways, then cut into halves again.
  • Add the parsnip wedges to a pan of hot salted water. Bring to the boil and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Drain the parsnip wedges and lay they out onto a clean cloth to dry. Don’t wrap them in the towel: just let the steam escape.
  • Mix together your oil and seasoning mix in a large bowl. Once the parsnips are dried, stir them through the seasoning mix so that they are evenly coated.
  • Lay the parsnip wedges on an oven safe metal wire rack that is resting on a half sheet baking tray. Space them out evenly so they don’t touch.
  • Roast the parsnips for 20 minutes. Flip or move any parsnips that are beginning to over brown. Return to the oven for another 5 – 10 minutes, until they are evenly browned.

Chili Topped Parsnip Wedges from http://meatified.com #paleo #glutenfree #whole30

It looks like way more effort than it is, don’t worry! But this is the best way I’ve found to make not-too-chewy-in-the-middle parsnip wedges! Now all you need to do is top them with your favorite chili. I garnished mine with some extra chopped green onions and jalapeños – you can add whatever extras you fancy!

This recipe is Whole 30 compliant – as long as your chili recipe is! Here’s my big batch crock pot chili recipe.

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Chili Topped Parsnip Wedges

Most people think of potatoes when it comes to wedges. Try these parsnip wedges instead, topped with delicious chili for a warming & comforting dish.

  • Author: Rachael Bryant / Meatified
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Put a saucepan of salted water onto the stove, ready for boiling your parsnips.
  2. Peel your parsnips and chop off the ends. Cut each parsnip in half widthways so that one half of the parsnip is the thicker fuller top end and the other half is the skinnier bottom end.
  3. Cut the top ends in half lengthways, then cut each half again into quarters.
  4. Cut the bottom ends in half lengthways, then cut into halves again.
  5. Add the parsnip wedges to a pan of hot salted water. Bring to the boil and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
  6. While the parsnips are parboiling, preheat the oven to 425F.
  7. Drain the parsnip wedges and lay they out onto a clean cloth to dry. Don’t wrap them in the towel: just let the steam escape.
  8. Mix together your oil and seasoning mix in a large bowl. Once the parsnips are dried, stir them through the seasoning mix so that they are evenly coated.
  9. Lay the parsnip wedges on an oven safe metal baking rack that is resting on a half sheet baking tray. Space them out evenly so they don’t touch.
  10. Roast the parsnips for 20 minutes. Flip or move any parsnips that are beginning to over brown. Return to the oven for another 5 – 10 minutes, until they are evenly browned.
  11. Warm through your chili, then top the parsnip wedges with the hot chili before serving.

Notes

This recipe is Whole 30 compliant.

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Chili Topped Parsnip Wedges from http://meatified.com #paleo #glutenfree #whole30

7 comments

  1. Will definitely try this recipe for parsnip fries! Have you tried the boil then roast method yet with sweet potatoes? Still haven’t made the perfect sweet potato fry

  2. This looks great! Do you know how to get the “earthiness/bittnerness” out of parsnips? The only way I’ve ever found is to coat them in a tonnnn of coconut oil and then baking them. However, my body isn’t digging coconut oil lately so I’ve been sticking with olive. It’s not as strong and I still taste the bitterness. Have you tasted what I’m mentioning?

    1. I’ve never noticed parsnips to be bitter. In fact, the longer they are stored in a dark place, the sweeter they get as their starches turn to sugars. I think this method may help you, since the wedges are parboiled before being baked. If you can’t do coconut oil, I recommend avocado oil because it’s better suited to high cooking temperatures. I buy mine really cheaply at Costco for about $9 / 32 oz. Hope that helps a little 🙂

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