PARSNIP CONFIT WITH PICKLED CURRANTS

Parsnip Confit with Pickled Currants image

It's hard to know if a parsnip will have a woody core, but generally speaking, small ones are tender throughout. Worst case scenario? Trim the tough centers before cooking.

Provided by Molly Baz

Categories Bon Appétit Thanksgiving Fall Winter Side Vegetable Root Vegetable Parsnip Garlic Ginger Rosemary Currant Vinegar Dairy Free Soy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Holiday 2018

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 1/2 lb. parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise, quartered if large, woody core removed if large
2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
1 (4") piece ginger, scrubbed, sliced lengthwise into 1/8"-thick planks
3 large sprigs rosemary, divided, plus 1 Tbsp. rosemary leaves for serving
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. kosher salt
3 cups extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup dried currants
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tsp. Aleppo-style pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 300°F. Combine parsnips, garlic, ginger, 2 rosemary sprigs, and 1 Tbsp. salt in a rectangular 3-qt. baking dish; turn garlic cut side down. Pour oil over and roast 35 minutes. Remove from oven; turn parsnips over. Return to oven and roast until a knife easily slides through flesh, 30-40 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, bring currants, sugar, 1/2 cup vinegar, remaining 1 tsp. salt, remaining rosemary sprig, and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, swirling pan occasionally, until reduced by three-quarters. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in Aleppo-style pepper, 1 Tbsp. parsnip confit oil, and remaining 1 Tbsp. vinegar.
Remove parsnips from oil, letting excess drip back into baking dish, and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Pluck out garlic and set aside for serving. Strain oil through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container; discard aromatics. Cover and reserve oil for another use.
Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Working in batches, arrange parsnips in skillet in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and charred in spots, about 4 minutes per batch. (Alternatively, you can broil them, turning halfway through, 10-12 minutes.) Transfer to a platter and spoon currant sauce over. Top with reserved garlic and rosemary leaves.
Do Ahead
Parnsips can be cooked in oil 1 week ahead. Let cool completely; cover and chill. Reheat in oil in a 300°F oven before browning. Currants can be pickled 1 week ahead; cover and chill.