Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds parsnips (about 9 medium), peeled
  • 1 small white onion (about 2 ounces)
  • 1 large egg, beaten lightly
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Method

  • In a large saucepan, bring 2 quarts salted water to a boil and add parsnips.
  • Return water to a boil and boil parsnips 3 minutes.
  • Drain parsnips well.
  • In a food processor fitted with coarse grating disk or on a hand grater, grate parsnips and onion coarsely.
  • Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
  • In a bowl, stir together parsnips, onion, and egg and stir in spices and salt.
  • Add flour, stirring until just combined, and form mixture into eight 1/2-inch-thick cakes (each about 3 inches in diameter), transferring them as formed to prepared baking sheet.
  • In a large heavy skillet heat oil and butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides and saute pancakes in 2 batches until golden, about 5 minutes on each side, transferring them as cooked to paper towels to drain.
  • Pancakes may be kept warm 15 minutes in a 200 degree oven F.