May 8, 2014
(last updated January 30, 2021) 
I recently mentioned that I’ve gotten a chance to enjoy some fresh produce from From the Farmer, a DC-area delivery service that brings local produce directly from farmers to consumers’ front doors. It’s a wonderful option for folks who aspire to support local farms, but can’t make the time to visit farmers’ markets on a regular basis. While I do love supporting my local farmers’ market, it’s been a treat to receive my From the Farmer delivery each week, and see what’s in season. I especially like the challenge of concocting dishes according to what I’ve gotten; I tend to plan out weekly groceries and meals pretty carefully, but in keeping with recent efforts to go with the flow a little bit more in my kitchen, the challenge of spontaneous recipe development is welcome.
I tend to think of parsnips as autumn and winter vegetables, but they’re still very much in season here in the DC/NOVA region. Rather than making raw parsnip rice, cheesy parsnip spread, or parsnip and cauliflower soup (my three standard parsnip recipes), I decided to do something out of the ordinary this week. I remembered that parsnip “steak” used to be a standard vegetarian entree on the Blue Hill menu in NYC. I’ve never tried the dish, but I thought it sounded remarkable. I’m so glad I tried the dish at home, because it’s delicious and easy.
I’m sure it’s possible to sous-vide the parsnip, or something like that, to get a perfect texture. I sliced the parsnip into thick slices, coated them in olive oil, sea salt and pepper, and roasted them. That was all it took to get flavorful, hearty results. The miso gravy I used is a spin on my vegan, gluten free gravy for Food52. You could substitute any gravy you like, or even use a dressing of choice (tahini dressing, whatever) instead.
Parsnip Steak with Miso Gravy
Author -Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- For the parsnip "steak":
- 2 large parsnips sliced into 8-12 thick slices (about 1/2 inch) (you may need to make more if you're working with a smaller parsnip)
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- For the miso gravy:
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup all purpose or chickpea flour
- 1 1/2-2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons mellow white miso
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat the parsnip slices in olive oil as needed and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. When the oven is ready, place the parsnips in the oven and roast until browning and fork tender (about 35 minutes).
- 2. While the parsnips roast, heat the flour and nutritional yeast flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir them frequently, until fragrant and slightly toasted.
- 3. Remove the flour and yeast flakes from heat and whisk in the vegetable broth, miso, olive oil, thyme, and garlic powder.
- 4. Return the gravy to heat and cook, whisking constantly, until it is thick and bubbly. Add more broth as needed. Season to taste with black pepper. Pour the gravy over the parsnips, and serve.
- Extra gravy will keep in the fridge for about 5 days.
You can pair the “steak” with whole grains, with some lentils or lentil salad, with a bright bowl of marinated kale, or with whatever other sides you like. I suspect you’ll be surprised at how satisfying it is, especially with the gravy accompaniment. I loved it.
Now that I’ve crossed into this territory, I think that cauliflower steak is just around the corner. Stay tuned!
xo
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Categories: Recipes,
Side Dishes
Method: Oven
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Method: Oven
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Leave a Comment
Hi, what is the measurement for the miso??? I’d love to make this but I don’t want to mess it up 🙂
This such a fantastic idea, I can’t wait to try it 🙂 Thanks!
This looks unbelievably tasty and I think I would bottle that miso gravy and put it on everything!
This looks delicious! And like an easy yet lovely vegetable main. I’ll have to try it before it gets too hot to turn on the oven!
love parsnips!! we usually make them us a fries
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This sounds so good! I also think of parsnips as a fall veggie but I’m sure this wuld be great with carrots too….
I actually found an awesome vegan recipe on bon appetite for cauliflower steaks with an olive relish! You have to try it:
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cauliflower-steaks-with-olive-relish-and-tomato-sauce
I really enjoy the taste of parsnips. They’re kind of like a pumpkin spice carrot. And beautiful plating, looks very gourmet. I had to look up what sous-vide was, but now I’m very interested to try it!
I love parsnips! What a creative way to prepare them!
That gravy looks delicious. I’m a gravy fiend at the holidays and unfortunately most gravy is not gluten free/vegan. I will have to try this recipe.
I never in a million years would have thought to make parsnip steaks but these look amazing! Since becoming vegetarian, I haven’t had much gravy going on in my life so I’m excited to finally have it again! I think I’ll have to sign up with my local CSA this summer for some lovely produce fresh to my door. Just a quick question, what’s the measurement on the miso? 🙂
I never would have ever thought of turning a parsnip into a steak! 😉
I’m a huge fan of gravy (or any type of sauce for that matter)–can’t wait to try your gravy.
I did belong to an organic co-op delivery service for awhile, & loved how I’d get all sorts of veggies I wouldn’t have otherwise purchased.
Local produce to your door…I must say I’m a bit jealous, but looking forward to the recipes that may come from it.
I have never really considered parsnips before, and now I have 4 recipes that I want to try. That parsnip spread looks amazing too. I love dishes that look so hearty and restaurant-esque, but are really just veggies 🙂
I love cauliflower steaks, but parsnips sound like an even tastier option — great idea!
This is so fun and elegant too! Unfortunately parsnip season is over here now but I’m going to have to try that yummy umami sounding sauce on a bowl of lentils I think.
I often pair parsnip with miso gravy, too. Especially with nut roast). Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe 🙂