Spicy Roots Recipes

Steps:

• Cut the parsnips and carrots into lozenges of about the same size. Peel the salsify under cold running water and rub with the cut lemon at the same time. Cut off the woody core and slice into similar sized lozenges.
• Sprinkle the parsnips with curry powder, and the carrots and salsify with 5-spice. Heat a large pan with the oil, then toss in the vegetables. After a minute, add the butter and garlic, season and continue to cook, stirring often, for up to 10 mins. If the vegetables start to colour too much, stir in 2-3 tbsp water to stop them burning. Toss through the marjoram leaves, allow to wilt then serve. Try serving this alongside lamb or robust game.

Steps:

• Peel and halve the onions through the root, then slice thinly lengthways. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large pan, add half the onions and fry until just starting to colour. Add the mustard and cumin seeds and fry until nicely browned.
• Add vegetables and curry paste and stir until well coated. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, partly cover and simmer for 30 mins, until the vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tbsp of oil in a small pan, add the onions and fry quickly until crisp and browned. Tip onto kitchen paper.
• Purée the soup in batches, then return to the pan and stir in most of the yogurt. Taste and add salt, if necessary. Reheat gently, then ladle into bowls and top each with a spoonful of yogurt, some fried onions and a scattering of roughly chopped coriander or parsley.

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Add the onions and fry for 5 mins until softened. Tip in the remaining veg and cook for another 5 mins, adding the chilli and cumin for final 2 mins.
• Add the lentils and stock to the pan. Bring to the boil, then lower heat and simmer for 25 mins until veg are tender and lentils are soft. Blitz until smooth with the milk and a little extra water or stock, if necessary. Season, then reheat until piping hot.
• Ladle into bowls and serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped coriander.

Steps:

• Heat the slow cooker to low. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onion for 10 mins until soft and transparent. Add the carrots and parsnips and fry for 8-10 mins more until the veg is just golden. Stir in the garlic and spices, and fry for 4-5 mins until fragrant, stirring. Add a splash of water if needed. Tip into the slow cooker and stir through the lentils, stock, bay and seasoning.
• Close the lid and cook on low for 5-6 hrs until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Check the seasoning and stir in the lemon juice to taste. Serve with bread, rice, or potatoes, if you like.