Fried Parsnip Ribbons

Place a wire rack on a large, rimmed baking sheet and line the rack with 2 layers of paper towels. Heat the canola or vegetable oil in a large saucepan until the oil registers 325 ° on a deep-fry thermometer. Meanwhile, using a sturdy Y-shaped vegetable peeler, shave the parsnips lengthwise into ribbons, moving around on 4 sides of the vegetable, stopping when you reach the tough inner cores of the parsnips. Working in 5 or 6 batches, carefully drop handfuls of the parsnip ribbons into the hot oil and cook the ribbons over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the ribbons turn a deep honey color, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon or Chinese wire-and-bamboo skimmer, transfer the parsnips to the paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let cool completely, then transfer to a large platter.