Introduction
Turnips are a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be a delicious addition to any meal. Whether you’re roasting, boiling, mashing, or sautéing, turnips can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your taste and preferences. In this article, we’ll explore 9 delicious turnip recipes that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
From Roasting to Mashing: 5 Ways to Cook Turnips
There are many ways to cook turnips, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are 5 popular methods that you can use to prepare turnips:
1. Roasting
Roasting turnips is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and create a crispy outer layer. To roast turnips, preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and chop the turnips into small pieces, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer. Spread the turnips out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
2. Boiling
Boiling turnips is a quick and easy way to cook them if you’re short on time. Peel and chop the turnips into small pieces, then add them to a pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the turnips are fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the turnips with butter, milk, and any other seasonings you like.
3. Mashing
Mashed turnips are a great side dish for any meal, and can be spiced up with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. To make mashed turnips, peel and chop them into small pieces, then boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the turnips with a potato masher or fork, then add butter, milk, and any other seasonings you prefer.
4. Sautéing
Sautéed turnips make a great addition to stir-fries or any other dishes that require a crispy texture. Peel and chop the turnips into small pieces, then sauté them in a skillet with butter or oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly browned and crispy. Add any other seasonings or vegetables you prefer.
5. Grilling
Grilled turnips make a great addition to burgers or sandwiches, and can be seasoned with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Peel and slice the turnips into thin rounds, then brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill the turnips for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and lightly charred.
The Perfect Turnip Duo: How to Cook Turnips with Potatoes
Turnips and potatoes make a great pair, and can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and texture. Here’s a classic recipe for turnip and potato mash:
Classic Turnip and Potato Mash
- 2 medium-sized potatoes
- 2 medium-sized turnips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Peel and chop the potatoes and turnips into small pieces, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the vegetables for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the vegetables with a potato masher or fork, then add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste.
Here are some other recipes that incorporate turnips and potatoes:
- Roasted root vegetables: Slice the turnips and potatoes into thin rounds, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Hearty vegetable soup: Chop the turnips and potatoes into small pieces, then add them to a pot of chicken or vegetable broth with other diced vegetables such as carrots and celery. Bring the soup to a boil and cook for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Shepherd’s pie: Layer mashed turnips and potatoes with ground beef or lamb, diced vegetables, and tomato sauce in a casserole dish. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the top is lightly browned and crispy.
Spice it Up: Recipes to Add Some Kick to Your Turnips
Turnips have a mild flavor that can easily be enhanced with different seasoning options. Here are some spicy turnip recipes to try:
Turnip Fries with Spicy Seasoning
- 2 medium-sized turnips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel the turnips and slice them into thin strips, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the turnips out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.
Turnip Chips with Garlic and Herb Seasoning
- 2 medium-sized turnips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Peel the turnips and slice them into thin rounds, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread the turnips out on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.
Honey Glazed Turnips with Cinnamon
- 2 medium-sized turnips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Peel the turnips and cut them into small pieces. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the turnips and cook for 10-15 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned. Drizzle the honey over the turnips, then sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turnips are coated in the glaze.
How to Cook Turnip Greens: A Guide to This Often Overlooked Veggie
Turnip greens are a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal, and can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your taste. Here’s how to cook turnip greens:
Boiled Turnip Greens
- 1 bunch turnip greens
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wash the turnip greens thoroughly and remove any stems or tough stalks. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the turnip greens and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are wilted and tender. Drain the water and season the greens with salt and pepper to taste.
Sautéed Turnip Greens
- 1 bunch turnip greens
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Wash and chop the turnip greens into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the turnip greens and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can also add turnip greens to salads, soups, or stews for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
Everything You Need to Know About Cooking with Turnips
Here are some additional tips and tricks for cooking with turnips:
- Select the best turnips: Look for firm, unblemished turnips with smooth skin and no soft spots or cracks.
- Store turnips properly: Store turnips in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or root cellar. They can last for several weeks when stored properly.
- Peel turnips effectively: Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the skin from turnips, then chop them into small pieces.
- Avoid common mistakes: Don’t overcook turnips, as they can become mushy and lose their flavor. Also, be sure to season them well with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to enhance their natural flavor.
One-Pot Wonders: Turnip-Based Stews to Warm You Up This Winter
Turnips are a great ingredient for hearty and comforting stews that can warm you up on a cold winter day. Here are some turnip-based stew recipes to try:
Beef and Turnip Stew
- 1 pound stew beef
- 2 medium-sized turnips
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the turnips, carrots, and onion to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
