Unfortunately last week the temperature here in Baltimore hit below the 10 degrees Fahrenheit mark (it was 1 degree(s?), if you want to get into specifics), so not too much good produce is available to us at the moment. Tap roots survived the big freeze so I am learning to fall in love with parsnips again and that’s how this parsnip sorghum risotto was born. The jalapeno I used was generously provided by one of the plants on my windowsill! The sorghum was purchased a few months ago from Barry Farm (when I needed a new pack of barley malt powder for the bagels I was making), and is finally making its way into the rotation.
I know sorghum flour crops up in gluten-free baking – but have you ever tried cooking it whole as a grain before? This was my first time and I liked it a lot, but making a sorghum risotto required sage-like amounts of patience, as it took more than 3 hours to cook through the first time. I’ve now learned the lesson to soak sorghum overnight first, or par-cook it before starting the risotto, or even both. Timing aside, sorghum’s got a nutty taste and chewy texture similar to barley (but minus the gluten), and more importantly it’s packed with nutrition.
I’ve got about 1 cup of dried sorghum left so I do welcome your suggestions for other ways to prepare it. My philosophy on grains is that risotto is always delicious if I’m not sure what else to do but I’ve never found a grain before that took so dang long to cook. So next time I’d like to try something a little bit faster!
When it was finally done cooking, the parsnips had imparted a deep sweetness and that’s why I chose a spicy riff on pesto to balance everything out. I think other pesto recipes would be good with this, too, but I’d suggest stirring in an extra splash of lemon juice or cider vinegar to increase the acidity as a counterpoint to the risotto.
Creamy Parsnip Sorghum Risotto with Jalapeno Pesto
Ingredients
Vegetables to prep beforehand:
- 3 parsnips peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/2 head of cauliflower roughly chopped
For the risotto:
- 1 tsp coconut oil or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 stalks celery thinly sliced
- 1 white or yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup dried sorghum soaked overnight and drained
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth room temperature (plus more as needed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
For the pesto:
- 1 jalapeno seeds and guts removed, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- 3 tbsp toasted walnuts (or other nut of choice)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the parsnips and cauliflower:
- Cook the parsnips in whatever way you prefer. I roughly chopped and then steamed them, but roasting could also work.
- Steam the caulifower - either in a steamer basket or in a large pan with about an inch of water in it, for around 10 minutes or until soft all the way through.
- Add the parsnips and cauliflower to a blender or food processor and run until completely smooth.
Start the risotto:
- In a large saucepan heat the oil, and when shimmering, add the garlic, celery, and onion, stirring to combine. Sautee for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add the drained sorghum grains to the saucepan and stir. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently (you may smell a toasted aroma from the grains).
- Add the white wine and a cup of water or broth and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium heat.
- Continue cooking, stirring every 3-5 minutes, until sorghum is cooked through. Add water or broth 1/2 cup at a time whenever the sorghum has absorbed most of the liquid.
- When the sorghum is soft but chewy, stir in the parsnips and cauliflower. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and cook for a few more minutes to meld the flavors and until the mixture is not runny. The overall cooking process will take somewhere around 60 minutes.
For the pesto:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until coarse. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to blend. Do not fully puree.
Nutrition
What’s your strategy for getting fruits and veggies into your diet during the winter? Sometimes I think that frozen blueberries are the reason for my sanity!
I'm Shannon, the writer and photographer of Yup, it's Vegan! I'm a morning person based in Baltimore, USA. My mission is to create healthy plant-based recipes that anyone would enjoy, using seasonal produce with inspiration from global flavors.
Vanessa Cayford says
I was excited to try this, and followed directions carefully. Soaked the sorghum overnight, par-boiled, but it’s been cooking for almost 6 hours now! Still tiny beads, too hard to eat. We bought it in bulk at the food coop. Wish I knew what I did wrong…
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
So sorry to hear about this Vanessa, I’m not honestly sure what happened with that either.. sorghum is definitely a tough one 🙁 thanks for sharing your experience anyway.
Maria says
I made this last night for a party at my house. I made the parsnip/cauliflower the day before. Pest could be make the day before too. I did not use sorghum because I wanted a risotto recipe and came across this. So here is what I did: I omitted the celery because I don’t like it and I used a vegan “beef” broth, and omitted the acv. I encorporated the veggie mixture in about halfway thought so that it would warm up. I didn’t use the whole amount of the purée of veggies, maybe about half. I also added peas. It was a great recipe and everyone like it.
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
Hi Maria, sorry for the omission in the recipe and for not getting back to you quickly enough with my reply. That is when I did add the veggie mixture as well and I will update the recipe to be clear. I’m glad that you enjoyed it! The vegan “beef” broth sounds like a nice addition!
Maria says
Not sure if this is still being checked but where,when do I add the parsnip/cauliflower mix?? Unless I keep missing it…and does the pesto just go on top for a garnish??
Laura @ This is Thirty says
I definitely need to use a ton of frozen veggies during the winter – not only does it mean I get fresh veggies in, but I save money (and greenhouse gases) by not buying the stuff trucked in from forever away. My one exception is bananas – there is no way I can buy any locally no matter what time of year it is!
Shannon @ Y-i-v says
I have that same struggle with bananas… they are one of my favorite foods, so I let it be an exception!