Selection Buy 1-1/2 pounds for 4 servings. Buy smooth, firm, well-shaped parsnips, small to medium in size. Preparation Scrape or peel. Leave whole or cut into halves, quarters, or slices. Cooking Cook, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted water until tender, about 30 minutes. Serving Season with salt, pepper, and melted butter or margarine and serve hot with a sprinkling of minced parsley.