Spiced Parsnip and Pear Crumble with Walnut Streusel: A Harvest Comfort

There's a certain magic to autumn, isn't there? The air turns crisp, the leaves blaze with color, and our gardens and local farms overflow with the bounty of the harvest. While we often think of apples and pumpkins this time of year, I want to introduce you to a slightly less celebrated, but equally delicious, star: the parsnip. For years, I mostly relegated parsnips to soups and stews, enjoying their earthy sweetness as a background player. But one afternoon, overwhelmed with a glut of parsnips from the garden, I decided to experiment. The result? This Spiced Parsnip and Pear Crumble with Walnut Streusel – a surprisingly delightful dessert that has become a family favorite. It's a wonderful way to showcase the versatility of seasonal cooking, reminding us that even humble root vegetables can transform into something truly special.

This Spiced Parsnip and Pear Crumble is the epitome of cozy food, perfect for a chilly evening. It's an unexpectedly delicious way to use up your parsnip harvest, and the warm, spiced flavors are just what you crave as the days get shorter. Plus, with its crunchy walnut streusel topping, it's a texture lover's dream!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• It's an unconventional and delicious way to enjoy parsnips.
• The spiced pear and parsnip filling is incredibly comforting and aromatic.
• The walnut streusel topping provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• It's simple to make with mostly pantry staples and seasonal ingredients, ready in under an hour!
• Easily adapted for gluten-free diets with a simple almond flour swap.

Ingredients List:

This from-scratch recipe utilizes the best of autumn’s bounty. I encourage you to seek out locally grown pears and parsnips for optimal flavor and to support your local farmers. Remember to choose organic ingredients whenever possible for a healthier and more sustainable dish.

Parsnip & Pear Filling:

• 1 pound parsnips, peeled and chopped (about 3-4 medium parsnips)
• 2 medium pears (such as Bosc or Anjou), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
• Optional: 2 tablespoons apple cider or pear brandy for extra depth of flavor

Walnut Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or substitute with almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (for added texture)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or maple sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (pecans or almonds also work well)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making this Spiced Parsnip and Pear Crumble is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a delicious, farm-to-table dessert.

1. Prepare the Filling:

Peel and chop the parsnips and pears into roughly the same size pieces. Uniformity is key to ensuring even cooking! Place the chopped fruit in a large bowl.

Add the lemon juice, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and flour (or cornstarch) to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and flour. Don't over-mix!

2. Make the Streusel Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar (or maple sugar), and salt.

Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. The goal is to create a coarse, crumbly mixture. The colder the butter, the better the crumble texture!

Stir in the chopped walnuts.

3. Assemble and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9-inch baking dish (a cast iron skillet works beautifully and adds a rustic touch!).

Pour the parsnip and pear filling into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the walnut streusel topping evenly over the filling.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil.

Let the crumble cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to thicken.

Serving Suggestions:

This Spiced Parsnip and Pear Crumble is best served warm, straight from the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!

• Classic Comfort: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Elevated Indulgence: Drizzle with maple syrup or homemade caramel sauce. (Stay tuned for a caramel recipe in a future post!)
• Cozy Pairing: Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of herbal tea or spiced cider.
• Breakfast Treat: Leftovers can be enjoyed cold for breakfast (or even reheated!).

This crumble is a wonderful dessert after a hearty autumn meal, and it's also perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Embracing the Bounty of the Season

This Spiced Parsnip and Pear Crumble is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of seasonal cooking and the joy of using ingredients in unexpected ways. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and textures. Feel free to adapt this recipe to your liking! Try adding other spices like cardamom or allspice. You can also swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds, or even add a handful of dried cranberries for a touch of tartness.

I'd love to hear about your own variations! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Share your creations on social media using #BetterHomesHarvest – I can't wait to see what you come up with!

As the leaves continue to fall and the nights grow longer, let's embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade food. There's nothing quite like the feeling of sharing a delicious dish with loved ones, knowing that it's made with love and the bounty of the season. Happy baking!

Call to Action:

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Rate this recipe and share your feedback! Don't forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram using #BetterHomesHarvest!