Roasted Parsnips with Pears & Hazelnuts

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of parsnips in this simple, seasonal side dish. Here, they’re cooked on a baking sheet with pears until tender and caramelized, then drizzled with browned butter and toasted hazelnuts.

 

Roasted Parsnips with Pears & Hazelnuts

 

1 lb. (500 g.) parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthwise

3 pears, such as Bosc or Anjou

3 Tbs. olive oil

Salt

2 Tbs. unsalted butter

3 Tbs. hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

 

Remove the cores from the parsnips. Cut into 3-inch (7.5-cm.) lengths, or if the quarters are small, leave as is. Halve the pears lengthwise and remove the cores, leaving the stem attached. Cut the halves into quarters or, if the pears are especially large, into sixths. Put the parsnips and pears on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer and season with salt. Roast until tender and browned, 30-40 minutes.

 

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add a pinch of salt and swirl the pan frequently until the butter browns. Add the hazelnuts and immediately drizzle the butter over the parsnips and pears. Season with salt and serve right away. Serves 6.