Hawaiian-Style Parsnips
Hawaiian-Style Parsnips offer a sweet and tangy flavor combination, blending tender parsnips with pineapple and orange for a vibrant side dish perfect for tropical-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and slice the parsnips.
- Cook the sliced parsnips in a small amount of salted water until tender (about 15 to 20 minutes); drain well.
- In a large saucepan, blend brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Stir in the undrained crushed pineapple, shredded orange peel, and orange juice.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Add butter and stir until melted.
- Add the cooked parsnips to the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider adding more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey. If you want to thicken the sauce even more, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water. You can substitute parsnips with carrots or sweet potatoes for a different taste. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hawaiian-Style Parsnips as a unique side dish with grilled chicken or pork. It complements tropical-themed meals perfectly and pairs beautifully with Cheese Covered Dates for an appetizer. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the parsnip mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian-Style Parsnips contains roughly 459 calories, with 0g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the parsnips and sauce ahead of time. Simply cook and combine everything, then cool and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of orange juice if needed to freshen up the sauce.
What can I substitute for crushed pineapple?
If you don't have crushed pineapple, you can use canned pineapple chunks, chopped finely, or even fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor. Just remember to adjust the sweetness depending on the tartness of the fresh fruit.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Hawaiian-Style Parsnips is a vegetarian-friendly dish. It uses simple ingredients that are plant-based. For those looking for vegetarian recipes, this dish is a delicious addition to any meal or potluck.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).