Turnips might not be the first vegetable you reach for when planning your meals, but they truly deserve a place on your dinner table. Often overlooked, these humble root vegetables are versatile, nutritious, and delicious when prepared correctly. In this blog post, we'll dive into some turnip recipes that can transform this underappreciated veggie into a star ingredient. From comforting soups to savory side dishes, you'll discover how to make the most of turnips in your culinary adventures.
Roasted Turnips with Garlic and Rosemary
Roasting turnips brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect side dish for any meal. Here’s how you can do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cube the turnips into about 1-inch pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and golden.
🍴 Note: For a more caramelized flavor, let the turnips roast a bit longer, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Turnip and Potato Mash
This simple mash combines the subtle sweetness of turnips with the creaminess of potatoes for a deliciously unique side:
- Boil equal parts turnips and potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and a hint of nutmeg or garlic for extra flavor.
💡 Note: Adjust the milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Turnip Greens Soup
The leaves of the turnip plant are just as nutritious and flavorful as the roots. Here’s a comforting soup to make use of them:
- Sauté onions and garlic in a pot with olive oil.
- Add chopped turnip greens, diced turnips, potatoes, and a broth of your choice.
- Simmer until all vegetables are soft, blend or serve chunky.
Pickled Turnips
Pickling turnips gives them a tangy crunch that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a snack:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turnips | 4 cups, sliced |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Beet Slice | 1, for color |
- Boil the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to dissolve.
- Pack turnip slices into jars, add a beet slice for color.
- Pour the hot brine over, let cool, and refrigerate.
🥄 Note: Allow the pickles to rest for at least a week for flavors to meld.
Turnip Fries
For a healthier twist on traditional fries, try this turnip fries recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut turnips into fries-sized sticks.
- Toss in olive oil, salt, and spices like paprika or cumin.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until crispy.
Turnips are incredibly versatile and can enhance any meal with their unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Whether you choose to roast, mash, pickle, or fry them, turnips can add both texture and taste to your dishes. Their natural sweetness and ability to soak up flavors make them an excellent choice for various cooking methods. Not only do they provide a healthy alternative to traditional starches, but they also offer a delightful crunch when prepared in creative ways like turnip fries or add a zesty twist when pickled.
Can you eat turnip greens?
+
Yes, turnip greens are edible and packed with nutrients like vitamin K, A, and C, calcium, and fiber.
How long do pickled turnips last?
+
If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pickled turnips can last for several months.
Are turnips keto-friendly?
+
Yes, turnips are relatively low in carbs and can be part of a ketogenic diet. A cup of turnips has about 6 grams of net carbs.
