Dishing Up the Dirt

parsnip and kale quinoa bowls

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I don’t know about you all but I am a parsnip LOVER. I feel like a kid in a candy store every time we go digging for this treasure. The sun even came out for us and we shed some layers for the first time in ages.

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The sunny and warm weather was a complete contrast from digging for parsnips last year.

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My farm friend Ellen and I dug for hours in the freezing cold. Our whole bodies where numb from the chilly weather, however, we needed to get these puppies dug up for the farm stand. I remember we complained a lot that afternoon because we couldn’t feel our hands or feet, however, it was totally worth it. I believe I went home and made parsnip fries to make up for the chilly and miserable day.  Don’t worry, I’ll share my recipe for those tasty fries with you all soon.

Until then….

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These parsnip and kale quinoa bowls will have to tide you over. If you have’t had the pleasure of eating roasted parsnips then you must run to your local farmers market or grocery store and pick some up. I love pairing my parsnips with a light maple dressing. The flavor combination is a match made in heaven.

If it’s the slightest bit chilly where you are I recommend pouring a glass of wine to warm yourself up with, cranking your oven to high, and getting to work preparing this lovely meal.

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Parsnip and Kale Quinoa Bowls

Prep Time: 10 mins.    Cook Time: 25 mins.    Serves: 2-4

  • 2-4 medium sized parsnips, cut into 1/4 inch pieces, 
  • 1 bunch of curly kale (or any type of kale/green) tough stems removed and cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • Oil of choice for cooking (I used grapeseed oil)
  • Salt and pepper
For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 TBS pure maple syrup
  • 1 TBS low sodium tamari
  • 2 TBS rice wine vinegar
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup water

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Prepare dressing by combining all the ingredients and processing until smooth with an immersion blender or regular blender
  3. Toss the parsnips with about 1 TBS of oil. Place on a prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven until fork tender and lightly browned (about 12-15 minutes) Toss halfway through cooking time.
  4. Bring 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover until water has absorbed and quinoa is easily fluffed with a fork. (about 12 minutes)
  5. Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the walnuts and toast for about 2 minutes stirring often. Remove walnuts and add a little oil to the pan and return to medium high heat. Add onion and sauté for about 8 minutes stirring often. Add the kale and continue to cook until kale is bright green and tender (about 3-5 minutes)
  6. Combine the quinoa with the kale and onion mixture. Add the cooked parsnips. Slowly drizzle with the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve with toasted walnuts and cranberries.

Notes

Use this recipe as a guide. Adjust measurements and ingredients as necessary.


Leave a Reply

19 thoughts on “parsnip and kale quinoa bowls

  1. Julia says:

    I do enjoy a good parsnip and I don’t cook with them nearly enough. These bowls look like the perfect meal! Unique, healthy, and delicious as always!

    1. Andrea says:

      get your parsnips on lady! they are the best!

  2. What, no soup?! Just kidding 🙂 Those hairy parsnips are so funny-looking! I love all the combinations here, especially the dressing. I’ll have to grab some parsnips soon!

    1. Andrea says:

      haha! I’ve already made parsnip soup but wanted to wait a few days in-between recipes before I share that one!! Parsnip and soup overload can be dangerous!

  3. i just found your blog – i cannot wait to work on trying out every recipe! … this one is up first. it looks amazing and so healthy :D!

    1. Andrea says:

      I’m so happy you found the blog! Keep me posted if/when you try any of the recipes!

  4. It took me a long time to try parsnips– and turnips too– and now I LOVE them! This bowl looks so warming and delicious. Yum.

    1. Andrea says:

      It took me a long time to get on the parsnip wagon and now I’m hooked! They are one of my favorite root veggies (turnips too!) So happy you agree!

  5. I just love parsnips and am always looking for new interesting ways to use them. Thanks!

    1. Andrea says:

      you’re welcome! let me know if you try this 🙂

  6. Amber says:

    I made these for dinner last night and it was good to begin with, but I’m super stoked that the leftovers are even yummier! I think the sauce developed more flavor in the fridge over night.

    1. Andrea says:

      I’m so happy you made this!!! The sauce is my favorite and I agree that it must taste even better the next day! thanks for sharing!!!!

  7. Terry says:

    All I can say is Yummo!! Just finished having this dish for dinner. The dressing was delicious and all the ingredients complimented each other so nicely.
    This dish is so versatile I’m looking forward to adding half parsnips and half butternut squash next time. Hubby said this is a keeper:)

    1. Andrea says:

      YAY! So happy you made this and enjoyed it. Makes me happy to hear comments like this!

  8. Ellen says:

    that was a cold day! But memorable! It’s chilly here now and I’m missing the farm. Maybe I should go roast some parsnips!

    1. Andrea says:

      Girl, I’ve missed you every step of the way since we stared farming on our own. The parsnips were not nearly as fun/miserable without great company. Miss you as always!!!

  9. Can you believe that I’ve never eaten a parsnip? Is that crazy to say as a vegan or what?

    I love how hairy they look, I will have to find some at the store because this bowl looks killer!

  10. Jen says:

    Yum!
    Thanks andrea!, I made sweet potato coconut soup last night and had kale quinoa bowl for lunch. Yum! Feel so thankful and well nourished

  11. Haley says:

    I’ve (shockingly) never had a parsnip. I’m adding this to my list, looks awesome!
    Haley | egginon.wordpress.com

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