PARSNIP GRATIN WITH TURMERIC AND CUMIN

Parsnip Gratin With Turmeric and Cumin image

Parsnips are underappreciated but are by far the tastiest of winter vegetables, sweet and deep-flavored. Here, they are parboiled and splashed with cream, then baked with an unlikely but delicious combination: turmeric, cumin and feta.

Provided by David Tanis

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

3 pounds parsnips
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, for greasing dish
2 cups heavy cream
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon toasted and ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Peel parsnips and quarter lengthwise. With a paring knife, remove and discard hard central core. Cut parsnips into 3-inch batons. Parboil for 2 minutes, then drain and spread out on a baking sheet to cool briefly.
Butter a 9-by-12-inch shallow earthenware baking dish. Arrange parsnips in dish in one layer. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Whisk together cream, turmeric and cumin. Season with salt and pepper and add a small pinch of cayenne.
Pour cream mixture over parsnips and sprinkle with feta. Bake for about 30 minutes, until bubbling and nicely browned.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 532, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 24 grams, Sodium 770 milligrams, Sugar 14 grams, TransFat 0 grams