Mashed Carrots and Parsnips (Irish Sunshine)

This is a simple, classic dish served in Ireland. Two of my favourite root vegetables, carrots and parsnips, come together in a sweet and savoury combo that is makes a lovely side dish. The Irish call this dish ‘Sunshine’ as well as ‘green, white and gold’.

12 oz carrots, peeled, cut into ½" slices
1 lb parsnips, peeled, cut into ½" slices
3-4 Tbsp. butter
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked

Garnish:
fresh parsley, chopped

Place the carrots and parsnips in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Drain the vegetables and place them back in the pot.

Add the butter (reserving a little for garnish, if desired) and the salt and pepper. Mash the vegetables together. Check seasonings.

Place in a serving dish and garnish with a little butter and chopped parsley.

Makes 6-8 serrvings.