Parsnip Puree

Want a low carb and easier side dish alternative to mashed potato? Try this parsnip puree! I used to groan whenever I saw a parsnip in my vege box but now I don't thanks to this parsnip puree recipe. It is silky textured and delicious and unlike a pommes puree, it can all be done in the Thermomix or blended in a food processor without getting gluggy or gluey!

Why You Should Try Parsnip Puree:

1 - Parsnip puree is so simple and you can make it in a blender, food processor, Thermomix or you can also use an immersion blender.

2- Parsnip puree is a great alternative to mashed potatoes, especially if you are eating low carb.

3 - Parsnips are healthy and contain antioxidants, anti inflammatories and a good source of Vitamin C.

4 - If you love sweet foods, parsnips are a vegetable that is noticeably sweet. Mr NQN absolutely loves them as he loves sweets!

5 - This parsnip puree is a great side dish goes well with anything you would serve mashed potatoes with!

I recently discovered that Mr NQN loves parsnips so he really liked it when we got parsnips in the vege box. It's funny how you can be married for so many years and discover something completely random about someone. I do like cooking for Mr NQN and while some people think that he is a lucky guy there are some caveats:

1 - Sometimes he will have the same food for a few weeks while I try and perfect a recipe.

2 - Once I have perfected that food, I may never cook it again because there are so many foods that I want to make!

3- I don't take food requests. I'm making what I am making because I have a schedule of things to make for the blog.

4 - You may be able to request something special on your birthday but that is the only time you can put in a food request.

5 - The food is ready when it is ready. Recently Mr NQN forgot this rule and told me that he'd like his breakfast at a certain time. "This isn't a cafe!" I told him outraged, and handed him the food. I gave him a look that ensured that that request never came up again.

So tell me Dear Reader, do you do all of the cooking? And what food caveats do you have?

Parsnip Puree

An Original Recipe by Lorraine Elliott

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes concurrently

Serves: 4 as a side dish

• 750g/1.6lb parsnip
• 3 cloves garlic
• 80ml/2.7flozs cream
• 70ml/2.5flozs milk
• 40g/1.4ozs butter
• 6g/0.2ozs fine salt
• Black pepper

Step 1 - First place garlic cloves on a baking tray and roast for 35 minutes at 180C/350F. Meanwhile peel and trim the parsnip and cut into cubes. Boil the parsnip chunks in a large pot of water until very soft. Thermomix directions: place parsnip chunks in the Thermomix with 2 cups of water and set to 25 minutes, 100C and speed #1.

Step 2 - Drain the water well and place the soft parsnips in a food processor or blender then add the garlic, removing the skin. Add the cream, milk, butter and salt and blend until smooth, scraping down sides if needed. Thermomix directions: drain the water well and add the peeled garlic, cream, milk, butter and salt and set to 30 seconds, speed #10. Check for seasoning and add pepper, I also add some finely chopped chives on top.