Root-Vegetable Hot Dish with Parsnip Puree
© Eliesa Johnson
Active Time
1 HR 45 MIN
Total Time
3 HR
Yield
Serves : 8-10
By Gavin Kaysen
January 2016

Chef Gavin Kaysen of Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis created this hearty vegetarian dish, which features roasted root vegetables and a creamy parsnip puree, as a lighter alternative to the traditionally meat-heavy Minnesota casserole.  Slideshow: More Casseroles

Ingredients

SORGHUM

  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Kosher salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 cups pearled sorghum (13 ounces), rinsed (see Note)
  • 4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

ROOT VEGETABLES

  • 3/4 pound rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3/4 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3/4 pound celery root, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3/4    pound turnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Pepper

PARSNIP PUREE

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • Kosher salt

CRISPY SHALLOTS

  • Grapeseed or canola oil, for frying
  • 3 large shallots, thinly sliced into rings
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Kosher salt
  • Snipped chives, for serving

How to Make It

Step 1    Cook the sorghum

Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onion, garlic and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the sorghum and stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sorghum is tender and the stock is absorbed, about 1 hour. Season the sorghum with salt and pepper.

Step 2    Meanwhile, cook the root vegetables

In a very large bowl, toss all of the vegetables with the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables in an even layer on 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Roast until tender and lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes; stir the vegetables halfway through roasting.

Step 3    Make the parsnip puree

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add the parsnips, stock and a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately high heat until the parsnips are tender and the stock is slightly reduced, about 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer the parsnips and their cooking liquid to a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt.

Step 4    

Fold the cooked sorghum into the parsnip puree and spread evenly in a 9-by-13-inch or 4-quart baking dish that’s 
at least 2 inches deep. Scatter the roasted vegetables evenly over the puree. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes, until bubbling.

Step
Step 5    Meanwhile, make the crispy shallots

In a large saucepan, heat 1/2 inch of oil until shimmering. In a bowl, toss the sliced shallots with the flour. Working in batches, fry the shallots over moderately high heat, stirring, until lightly browned and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shallots to a paper towel–lined plate to drain; season with salt. Garnish the casserole with the crispy shallots and chives and serve. 


Make Ahead

The casserole can be prepared through Step 4 and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature and reheat gently before topping with the shallots and chives.

Notes

Sorghum is a grain that grows in the Midwest and the South. If you can’t find pearled sorghum, use unpearled (whole) sorghum. Soak the grain overnight and increase the cooking time to about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Suggested Pairing

Pair this dish with an earthy, fruit-forward cru Beaujolais.

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