Mashed Root Vegetables with Bacon Vinaigrette

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring vinegar, mustard seeds, and ¼ cup water to a simmer in a small pot; cook until seeds are plump, 20–25 minutes. Drain; set aside seeds and cooking liquid separately.

   Step 2

   Place a steamer basket inside a large pot. Add water to a depth of 1”. Bring to a boil. Add root vegetables to steamer basket. Cover and cook, adding water by ½-cupfuls if needed to maintain level of water in pot, until vegetables are very tender but not mushy, about 45 minutes.

   Step 3

   Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet; set over medium-low heat and cook until bacon softens and fat begins to render, about 4 minutes. Add onion; increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion and bacon are browned and crisp, about 10 minutes.

   Step 4

   Add reserved mustard seeds to bacon mixture and cook until seeds begin to pop, about 1 minute. Turn off heat and stir in brown sugar and reserved mustard seed cooking liquid. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.

   Step 5

   Drain vegetables and return to pot. Using a fork or potato masher, coarsely mash. Stir in vinaigrette; season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a 13x9x2” baking dish; cover with foil. DO AHEAD: Vegetable mash can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.

   Step 6

   Rewarm vegetable mash, covered, in a 350° oven until just warmed through, 45–55 minutes. Alternatively, place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until warmed through (time will vary).

   Step 7

   Stir parsley into mash. Transfer to a bowl; serve warm or at room temperature.