Parsnips

At the Brooklyn brasserie Francie, John Winterman and Christopher Cipollone offer this cozy side dish of pureed parsnips. To make it, naturally sweet parsnips are simmered in bay leaf–infused cream until very tender, then pureed in a blender until they take on a silky, mashed potato–like texture. A garnish of diced green apples adds tart, mouthwatering acidity and refreshing crunch, while a generous drizzle of brown butter lends a pleasant richness. At Francie, the parsnip puree is served alongside duck, but it would also be a terrific partner for roast turkey or chicken.

Mashed parsnips might be even better than mashed potatoes. They have the same creamy, luscious texture, with the addition of a distinctly nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Once topped with crispy brussels sprout leaves, this dish becomes 100 percent irresistible. Slideshow: More Parsnip Recipes 

This easy-to-make soup is full of comforting flavors and has a lovely contrast in textures, from the silky smoothness of the soup to the crunch of toasted almonds. It's good enough to serve on its own; however, the smokiness of the paprika oil really adds something special. Slideshow: More Healthy Soup Recipes 

It turns out that parsnips, the carrot’s blonde cousins, work just as well for making a perfectly moist cake. This one is both vegan and gluten-free, made with nutrient-rich buckwheat and millet flours, and topped with candied kumquats. Slideshow:  More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes 

Delicious parsnip recipes, from maple-ginger-roasted vegetables with pecans to parsnip and carrot soup.

Opt for this parsnip and carrot soup when in need of a healthy and warming lunch or dinner.