Earlier today I brought home my weekly box of veggies from our CSA, and found parsnips. I’ve used the once before and liked there slight sweetness, but hadn’t really thought much about them. Until, that is, someone suggested parsnip chips. My son and I baked up a batch this afternoon (as an experiment) and they were gone in a matter of minutes. They are SO good! Slightly sweet, a little salty, completely delicious! They are perfect as a side dish or just by themselves. Did I mention that they are easy-peasy, too?!
Parsnips don’t get much love, but they are a great root veggie, and look a bit like a white carrot. Try pureeing some into your next batch of mashed potatoes. It adds a little something special, which is always good this time of year.
Nutritionally speaking, parsnips are high in vitamin C, and also contain calcium, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium and vitamin K. They are a good way to bump up your intake of calcium and iron without the negative effects of fat and animal protein.
Hmmmm, I think I’m gonna have to make these again tomorrow to serve with Portobello Burgers so the hubby can try them too!
INGREDIENTS:
2-3 medium to large parsnips, sliced crosswise into 1/8″ thick circles
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Dump the parsnips, oil, salt and pepper into a small bowl. Toss to coat. Then spread out on a foil-lined baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap. You may need to use two baking sheets to do this.
Bake for 15 min. then turn them over. Try and avoid the temptation to do this with your fingers, and just use a spatula. I’ve burned my fingers countless times doing this. Bake for another 10 min. or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations: I’m sure any of a number of herbs or seasonings would be great with these. Try adding a little bit of herbs de provence, cumin, lemon pepper or paprika!
Mel's Healthy Kitchen 
As a health-conscious (but broke university student!) ive been looking for new snacks in an attempt to lower my intake of fruit. These are the perfect replacement – cheap and just beautifully delicious! Thanks Mel, i see this will be my new obsession!
You’re welcome Dean, thank YOU! I’m so glad to hear that they have worked out well for you! We love ’em around here too!
[…] Parsnip Chips :: Mel’s Healthy Kitchen – We’ve never tried parsnips. Sounds like grocery store scavenger hunt! […]
Actually they aren’t too difficult to find. They look like white carrots. If you don’t see them at your local grocery store, ask the produce manager if they have them, or can get them. They are actually pretty common and often used in soups. 🙂
What a great idea!! I can’t remember ever trying a parsnip, but I think for my introduction to them, I’ll make these chips you suggested. Bookmarking the recipe now and adding parsnips to my grocery list! Thanks! 🙂
That’s great! I hope you like them. Some people boil them and add them to their mashed potatoes too. Enjoy!
I will definitely have to try this recipe. Nice post
Thank you! Hope you like them!
ooh, looks delicious. which spice do you think i could add to make it spicy? cayenne? anyway, great site and recipes. will be posting some of my own vegan recipes. good to spread the knowledge for healthy living!
That’s great that you’ll be posting your own recipes, too! I can’t wait to check them out. I’m always looking for new, healthy, plant-based recipes. As for spice, you could definitely try cayenne. Crushed red pepper flakes would probably work too, or even just a little hot sauce. Experiment with it, and let me know how it turns out!