Ugly Duckling Winter Vegetables Get a Makeover

A good makeover scene can make a movie (see: “Pretty Woman,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” and “Student Exchange,” which we watched for the duration of the 1987 calendar year). A bad one (three words: “She’s All That”) can rile and rancor.

We’ve nominated some of the season’s homeliest vegetables for transformations. Some fall into jolie laide territory; part of us would like to see them stay their odd, alien selves. But if you’ve got kids who scare easily or want to apply the Hollywood rubric in its least Pygmalion form, give those vegetables a makeover. With the help of butter and some transfiguration under the (chef’s) knife, winter veggies can go from gnarled, knobby ducklings to supper-table swans.

PARSNIPS 

Before…

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Parsnip-Onion Tarte Tatin

image

Photo credit: Everyday Food

RUTABAGAS

Before…

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Rutabaga Ribbons with Sage

image

Photo credit: Food52

ROMANESCO

Before…

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Charred Romanesco with Anchovies and Mint

image

Photo credit: Bon Appetit

TURNIPS

Before…

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Turnip, Radish, and Celery Salad in Blue Cheese Sauce

image

Photo credit: Food52

CELERIAC

Before…

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Michel Guérard’s Celeriac Purée

image

Photo credit: Food52

SALSIFY

Before…

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Salsify Croquettes with Oyster Mushrooms

image

Photo credit: Hunter Angler Gardener Cook 

Kohlrabi

image

Photo credit: Getty Images

After…

Kohlrabi, Apple, and Watercress Salad

image

Photo credit: Saveur

Yahoo Food is a new site for people who love to eat. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest.

Try this Orchiette with Parsnips and Sausage recipe: