Parsnip Mash

Nov 20, 2018, Updated Mar 17, 2025

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Are you ready to mix up your mash this Thanksgiving? Try my recipe for a mostly parsnip-based mash with just a bit of potato. You can serve it with pesto or pour over massive amounts of your favorite gravy.
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Parsnip Mash with Pesto

6 parsnips
2 medium russet potatoes
1 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup half and half
2 cloves roasted garlic
Salt and cracked black pepper
3/4 cup prepared pesto (I used my Dairy-Free Pesto)

Peel parsnips and potatoes and cut into equal-sized pieces. Place cut pieces into a large pan and cover with water. Add about a teaspoon of salt.

Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until vegetables are soft, about 18 minutes.

Drain water off of vegetables. Add, butter, sour cream and roasted garlic. Mash with a potato masher until broken up. Add half and half, just a couple of tablespoons at a time, and continue mixing until desired consistency is reached. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Place in serving bowl and swirl pesto into the parsnip mash. Serve.