Shaved Heirloom Carrots and Parsnips adapted from Milk Street

Serves 4
8 to 10 large colorful heirloom carrots (about 1½ pounds), scrubbed
3 small to medium parsnips, scrubbed
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
2 star anise pods
¼ cup lemon juice, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon white sugar, plus more as needed
½ cup lightly packed fresh Italian parsley, shredded

1. Use a Y-style peeler or a mandoline to shave the carrots from top to bottom into long, wide ribbons, rotating as you go. Stop shaving when you reach the core; discard the cores.​
2. ​Place the ribbons in a large, microwave-safe bowl and toss with ¾ teaspoon salt. Cover and microwave on high until wilted but still crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once halfway through; set aside, uncovered, leaving any liquid in the bowl.
3. In a small saucepan over medium, toast the poppy seeds, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly darker in color, about 2 minutes.
4. ​Transfer the seeds to a small bowl. In the same saucepan over medium, heat the oil, garlic and star anise, stirring occasionally, until the garlic begins to brown at the edges, 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Reduce the temperature to low, add the lemon juice and sugar, then whisk until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, for 3 minutes. Remove and discard the garlic and star anise.
6. ​Pour the warm dressing over the carrots and toss. Let stand for 15 minutes.
7. Add the poppy seeds and parsley, then toss again. Taste and season with additional salt, lemon juice and/or sugar, then transfer to a serving dish.

​NOTE: Don't overcook the carrots in the microwave. The ribbons should be wilted but still have texture; they shouldn't be completely tender and limp. And be sure to let the carrots stand for 15 minutes after dressing to absorb the flavors.