French Grilled Parsnips with Browned Hazelnut Butter

Introduction

Parsnips are often the unsung heroes of the root vegetable world, frequently overshadowed by carrots or potatoes. However, when treated with a little French culinary flair and the high-heat searing capabilities of an Arteflame grill, they transform into something truly spectacular. This recipe for French Grilled Parsnips with Hazelnut Butter—or panais au beurre de noisette—balances the natural, earthy sweetness of the vegetable with the savory, nutty richness of browned butter and toasted nuts. It is a dish that speaks to the soul of rustic French cooking while embracing the bold flavors of open-fire grilling.

Using the Arteflame cooktop is essential for this recipe, as it allows you to achieve a delicious, caramelized crust on the parsnips without them becoming mushy, which often happens when boiling. The differing heat zones on the plancha allow you to sear the vegetables hard at the center and then move them to the outer edges to roast gently until tender. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon to cut through the richness, this side dish is elegant enough for a holiday dinner yet simple enough for a weekend barbecue.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh parsnips, peeled and cut lengthwise into quarters
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for the sauce)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for grilling)
• 1/3 cup hazelnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Parsnips

1. Wash and peel the parsnips thoroughly.
2. Slice them lengthwise. If the parsnips are very thick at the top, cut them into quarters; if they are slender, halves will suffice.
3. If the core seems very woody or fibrous (common in large, older parsnips), carefully slice that center portion out to ensure even tenderness.
4. Toss the cut parsnips in a bowl with the olive oil, a generous pinch of sea salt, and black pepper until well coated.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Start your fire in the Arteflame grill about 20 minutes before cooking. You want a bed of hot coals and a searing hot cooktop.
2. Lightly oil the carbon steel cooktop to ensure a non-stick surface.
3. Identify your heat zones: the area closest to the center grill grate will be the hottest (for searing), while the outer edge is cooler (for slow roasting).

Step 3: Grill the Parsnips

1. Place the parsnips cut-side down on the medium-hot zone of the cooktop.
2. Sear them for about 4-6 minutes without moving them too much, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
3. Flip the parsnips to grill the other sides.
4. Once browned, move the parsnips to the outer, cooler edge of the cooktop. Let them roast gently for another 10-15 minutes, or until a knife pierces the thickest part easily.

Step 4: Make the Hazelnut Butter

1. While the parsnips are finishing their roast on the outer edge, place a small cast-iron skillet or sauce pot directly on the flat cooktop.
2. Add the 1/2 cup of butter to the skillet. Let it melt and foam.
3. Watch closely as the foam subsides; the milk solids will start to turn a golden brown and smell nutty (this is the beurre noisette stage).
4. Immediately add the chopped hazelnuts and toast them in the butter for 1 minute.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. The acid will stop the butter from burning.

Step 5: Assembly

1. Transfer the tender, grilled parsnips to a serving platter.
2. Pour the hot hazelnut butter mixture generously over the vegetables.
3. Finish with an extra sprinkle of flakey sea salt if desired and serve immediately.

Tips

To achieve the perfect texture, selecting the right parsnips is half the battle. Look for small to medium-sized parsnips, which tend to be sweeter and have less woody cores than the massive ones found in some supermarkets. If you only have large ones available, be diligent about removing the fibrous center core, as it remains tough even after grilling. Uniformity in cutting is also crucial; try to keep your wedges roughly the same thickness so they cook at the same rate on the Arteflame cooktop.

When making the hazelnut butter (beurre noisette), vigilance is key. The line between perfectly nutty, browned butter and burnt, bitter butter is a matter of seconds. Keep your eyes on the skillet. Once you smell that distinct toasted aroma and see the color shift to amber, pull it off the direct heat immediately. Adding the cold lemon juice also helps to drop the temperature quickly, arresting the cooking process and preserving that delicate flavor.

Variations

While the classic hazelnut and butter combination is timeless, parsnips are a versatile canvas for various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different main courses or dietary preferences. Here are a few delicious ways to switch things up:

• Maple Glazed: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the butter mixture for an enhanced sweet-and-savory profile that screams autumn.
• Herbed Garlic: Swap the hazelnuts for minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic, savory side dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter to contrast the sweetness of the root vegetables.
• Walnut & Sage: Substitute hazelnuts with walnuts and use fried sage leaves instead of parsley for a deeper, earthier flavor.
• Cheesy Finish: Omit the nuts and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the hot parsnips right before serving.

Best pairings

These French Grilled Parsnips are robust enough to stand up to rich meats yet elegant enough for lighter fare. Their nutty sweetness complements savory, umami-rich main courses perfectly. Because they are cooked on the grill, they naturally pair with other flame-kissed proteins, creating a cohesive smoky flavor profile across the entire meal.

• Grilled Ribeye or Filet Mignon: The richness of the hazelnut butter mirrors the marbling of a good steak.
• Roast Chicken: A classic Sunday roast pairing; the lemon in the sauce ties beautifully with poultry.
• Pork Chops: The natural sweetness of parsnips is a traditional and delicious match for pork.
• Holiday Turkey: This dish makes a sophisticated alternative to candied yams or standard roasted carrots for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Game Meats: Venison or duck breast pairs exceptionally well with the earthy notes of parsnip and hazelnut.

Conclusion

Grilling parsnips on the Arteflame unlocks a depth of flavor that boiling or oven-roasting simply cannot achieve. The direct contact with the searing steel caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and the creamy, sweet interior. When you crown this with the luxurious, nutty aroma of the hazelnut butter, you elevate a humble root vegetable into a dish that rivals any high-end restaurant side.

Whether you are hosting a sophisticated dinner party or simply looking to expand your grilling repertoire beyond burgers and corn, this French Grilled Parsnip recipe is a must-try. It celebrates the simplicity of quality ingredients and the joy of outdoor cooking. Fire up your grill, brown that butter, and prepare to see the parsnip in a whole new light.