Description
A vibrant and creamy mashed carrot and parsnip dish, flavored with fresh orange zest and juice, enriched with olive oil, and lightly seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. This healthy and flavorful side is steamed to tenderness before being pureed into a smooth mash, perfect for complementing a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch long chunks (about 3 cups)
- 4 large parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 3 cups)
Flavorings and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper or white pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
Garnish (Optional)
- Freshly chopped dill
- Carrot tops
Instructions
- Prepare Steaming Setup: Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. This will be used to cook the vegetables gently through steaming.
- Steam Vegetables: Place the carrot and parsnip chunks into the steamer basket. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the vegetables steam for about 18 minutes, or until tender. Test by inserting a fork into the carrots and parsnips – it should slide in easily and come out smoothly.
- Puree the Vegetables: Remove the steamer basket from the pan and transfer the steamed carrots and parsnips into a food processor with a steel blade. Add olive oil, orange zest, orange juice, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Process the mixture, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mash is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed carrots and parsnips to serving dishes while hot. Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped dill and carrot tops on top for an added touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute white pepper with black pepper if unavailable.
- For a smoother texture, process the mash longer, or add a splash of vegetable broth if needed.
- To make this dish vegan-friendly, ensure that no animal-based broths or dairy are added.
- Steaming preserves more nutrients compared to boiling, making this dish healthy and flavorful.
- Orange zest and juice add a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the sweetness of the root vegetables.
