Turnips often take a backseat to more popular root vegetables, but with their mild, slightly sweet flavor when cooked, they deserve a spot at your dinner table. Here are five delightful recipes that showcase the versatility and flavor of turnips:
1. Glazed Turnips with Cinnamon Butter
Turnips don't have to be bland. This recipe turns them into a sweet and savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course.
- Ingredients:
- 4-6 small turnips, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the turnips, sugar, and cinnamon. Toss to coat.
- Pour in the broth and cook until the liquid has evaporated and the turnips are glazed, about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
🎗 Note: This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks or holiday meals.
2. Creamy Turnip and Potato Mash
This mash blends turnips with potatoes for a creamier texture and a slightly sweeter flavor, enriched with a hint of nutmeg.
- Ingredients:
- 2 large turnips, peeled and cubed
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil turnips and potatoes together until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain, return to the pot, and mash with cream, butter, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
💡 Note: For an extra touch, sprinkle with chives or parsley before serving to add some color and flavor.
3. Turnip Fries with Rosemary and Sea Salt
A healthier twist on the classic, turnip fries bake up crispy and are infused with rosemary's aromatic scent.
- Ingredients:
- 3 large turnips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut turnips into fry shapes. Toss with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until crisp, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🍟 Note: Watch them closely near the end to prevent burning since the high sugar content in turnips can caramelize quickly.
4. Turnip and Mushroom Stir Fry
This quick and savory stir fry features turnips alongside mushrooms, blending flavors and textures beautifully.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups turnips, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Optional: 1 tbsp mirin or honey for sweetness
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add garlic, stir until fragrant, then add turnips and mushrooms. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce (and mirin or honey if using). Cook until turnips are tender.
👨🍳 Note: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
5. Turnip Tart
Finish your meal with a sophisticated turnip tart, where the root vegetable takes center stage in a flaky crust.
- Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 large turnips, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- 1 egg
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Blind bake the pie crust for about 10 minutes.
- Combine crème fraîche with egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread over the crust.
- Layer turnip slices in a circular pattern. Bake until the crust is golden and turnips are soft, about 30-35 minutes.
🥧 Note: This tart is also delicious when served cold, making it great for picnics or light lunches.
From the humble turnip, you can create dishes that range from simple to sophisticated. Whether you're looking for something sweet, savory, or entirely different, turnips provide a canvas for culinary exploration. With these recipes, you've unlocked the potential of this oft-overlooked root vegetable, showing that it's not just about taste but also about texture and creativity in the kitchen. Embrace the turnip, experiment with these recipes, and perhaps you'll find a new favorite way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Can turnips be used in sweet dishes?
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Absolutely! Turnips have a natural sweetness that can be enhanced with a little sugar or honey, making them great for both savory and sweet dishes.
Are turnips healthier than potatoes?
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Turnips are lower in calories and have less starch compared to potatoes, offering a lighter alternative with fewer carbs.
What part of the turnip is edible?
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Both the root and the greens of turnips are edible. The root is used for most recipes, while the greens can be cooked like other leafy greens or used in salads.
How can I store turnips?
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Turnips should be stored in a cool, dark place with good ventilation or refrigerated. Remove the greens before storing to keep them fresh longer.
Can I use turnip greens in these recipes?
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Yes, you can incorporate turnip greens into recipes like the stir-fry or make a separate dish out of them, such as sautéed greens or adding them to a soup.
