Parsnips are a tasty autumn specialty. Whether you like this classic fall vegetable simply roasted, in a rich, savoury soup or slow-cooked stew, parsnip recipes are often called for when only homemade comfort food will do.

Rich in vitamin C, fibre, potassium and folic acid, parsnips also help with antioxidant absorption when cooked with foods that contain moderate amounts of essential fatty acids.

Though we may think of parsnips as a staple in holiday cooking, they're a fairly versatile ingredient. Particularly popular in Europe from the Middle Ages till today, the nutty parsnip can easily be prepared on its own or thrown into a pot for longer simmering. Mashed parsnips are a fall favourite -- as are glazed, sweet parsnips!

Find a delicious parsnip recipe to try from our collection below.

Parsnip recipes: parsnip soup

Lemon Parsnip Soup
Serve this cream-free purée with crusty bread or rustic bread sticks.

Parsnip Soup with Stilton Cheese
A small bowl of this rich winter soup is a warming and convivial way to start the holiday meal.

Parsnip recipes: roasted parsnips

Maple-Glazed Rutabaga and Parsnips
Root cellars, where autumn vegetables were stored for the winter, were household fixtures in Ontario even as late as the 1950s. Most cellars would have been well-stocked with homey favourites such as rutabagas, turnips, carrots and onions which would be candied or glazed like this for a special holiday meal.

Baked Autumn Vegetables with Barley and Wild Rice
Vegetables and grains cook conveniently together in this big savoury casserole. Save any leftovers for toting in your lunch box.

Parsnip recipes: savoury entrees

Thai Pork Stew with Parsnips
In Thailand, this type of sweet pork stew often includes hard-cooked eggs and bamboo shoots. Here we bring it home with our own northern root vegetable, parsnips. If fish sauce is unavailable, you can use light soy sauce.

Ale-Braised Steak with Parsnips and Mushrooms
Rich ale or stout makes a fabulous dark gravy for this traditional braised beef.

Parsnips with Gorgonzola
The sweetness of parsnips is enhanced by the piquant taste of Gorgonzola cheese. Serve this dish as an appetizer, lunch or supper with a loaf of crusty bread and a green salad dressed with a tart vinaigrette.

Slow Cooker Irish Shepherd's Pie
The potatoes that are mashed later for the topping cook along with the lamb in this traditional Irish stew. For a leaner stew, use boneless leg of lamb rather than shoulder.