Roast parsnips with almond, sorrel and watercress sauce

Method

1. Put the parsnips in a large pan of cold water. Bring to the boil and cook for 7-8 minutes until tender enough to be easily pierced with the tip of a knife – some parsnips are tougher than others, so check regularly and remove them as they’re ready. Pat dry with kitchen paper and set aside.
2. Heat the oven to 200°C/180° fan/gas 6. Put the oil in a roasting tray and put in the oven to heat up for a few minutes. When the oil is sizzling, gently add the parsnips to the tray – you should hear a satisfying sizzling sound. Roast the parsnips, shaking the tray once or twice, for 30 minutes or until golden and crisp.
3. Meanwhile make the sauce. Whizz the almonds in a food processor until they release their oils and form a smooth paste. Add the garlic, parsley, a good pinch of flaky sea salt and half the oil. Whizz to combine, then add the sorrel (or spinach and lemon juice) and watercress, and whizz again, trickling in the rest of the oil, until smooth. (If you don’t have a food processor, use a pestle and mortar and grind to a pesto-like consistency.) Season with a little salt or lemon juice to taste and add a little water if the sauce is too thick. Serve the parsnips topped with the sauce.
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