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Cilantro-Lime Skillet-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on June 22, 2011

Time

45 minutes

Yield

Serves 6 to 8

Cilantro-Lime Skillet-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch-thick pieces1 ½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch pieces¾ cup water 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper pepperSalt

Before You Begin

Parsnips wider than 1 inch may have tough, fibrous cores that are best trimmed and discarded. Using warm water helps the sugar to dissolve more readily. Any combination of carrots and parsnips with a combined weight of 3 pounds can be used in this recipe.

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook carrots and parsnips, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
  2. Whisk water, lime juice, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in small bowl until sugar dissolves. Add water mixture to skillet and cook covered, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender and liquid has evaporated, 12 to 14 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and cayenne pepper. Serve.
Cilantro-Lime Skillet-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Cilantro-Lime Skillet-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

45 minutes

Yield

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch-thick pieces
1 ½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch pieces
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper pepper
Salt

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch-thick pieces
1 ½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch pieces
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper pepper
Salt

Test Kitchen Techniques

Ingredients

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch-thick pieces
1 ½ pounds parsnips, peeled and cut diagonally into ½-inch pieces
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper pepper
Salt

Test Kitchen Techniques

Why This Recipe Works

We settled on carrots and parsnips for our Cilantro-Lime Skillet-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips because their similar shape made them easier to prep, they cooked at about the same rate, and their flavors worked well together. After browning the carrots and parsnips in vegetable oil, we added water to the pan before covering—this created a gentle steaming effect and produced nicely browned, tender vegetables.

Before You Begin

Parsnips wider than 1 inch may have tough, fibrous cores that are best trimmed and discarded. Using warm water helps the sugar to dissolve more readily. Any combination of carrots and parsnips with a combined weight of 3 pounds can be used in this recipe.

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook carrots and parsnips, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.
  2. Whisk water, lime juice, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in small bowl until sugar dissolves. Add water mixture to skillet and cook covered, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender and liquid has evaporated, 12 to 14 minutes. Stir in cilantro and season with salt and cayenne pepper. Serve.

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