Mashed Root Vegetables with Bacon Vinaigrette

Ingredients for Mashed Root Vegetables with Bacon Vinaigrette

• 120ml apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds

• 4-2.3kg mixed root vegetables (such as parsnips, kohlrabi, celery root, turnips, and rutabagas), peeled, cut into 1" cubes

• 230g thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, diced

• 1 large white onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon (packed) dark brown sugar

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

How to make Mashed Root Vegetables with Bacon Vinaigrette

Bring vinegar, mustard seeds, and 60ml water to a simmer in a small pot; cook until seeds are plump, 20-25 minutes. Drain; set aside seeds and cooking liquid separately.

Place a steamer basket inside a large pot. Add water to a depth of 1". Bring to a boil. Add root vegetables to steamer basket. Cover and cook, adding water by 1/2-cupfuls if needed to maintain level of water in pot, until vegetables are very tender but not mushy, about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet; set over medium-low heat and cook until bacon softens and fat begins to render, about 4 minutes. Add onion; increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion and bacon are browned and crisp, about 10 minutes.

Add reserved mustard seeds to bacon mixture and cook until seeds begin to pop, about 1 minute. Turn off heat and stir in brown sugar and reserved mustard seed cooking liquid. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.

Drain vegetables and return to pot. Using a fork or potato masher, coarsely mash. Stir in vinaigrette; season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 13x9x2" baking dish; cover with foil. DO AHEAD: Vegetable mash can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.

Rewarm vegetable mash, covered, in a 177°C oven until just warmed through, 45-55 minutes. Alternatively, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until warmed through (time will vary).

Stir parsley into mash. Transfer to a bowl; serve warm or at room temperature.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.