I. Introduction

Turnips are an often-overlooked root vegetable that is versatile, flavorful, and easy to cook. Unfortunately, many home cooks aren’t sure how to properly prepare or cook turnips, and they end up wasting this delicious ingredient. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know when it comes to cooking turnips, from roasting to mashing to soups and tarts. You’ll learn various methods of cooking, recipe ideas, and tips to help you make the most of this affordable and nutrient-dense vegetable.

II. The Beginner’s Guide to Cooking Turnips

The first step in cooking turnips is selecting the right ones at the grocery store or farmer’s market. When buying turnips, look for firm, unblemished roots with smooth skin and a good weight. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before preparing them for cooking.

There are different methods of cooking turnips, including boiling, steaming, and sautéing.

For boiling, scrub the turnips and cut them into small cubes. Next, place them in boiling water and cook them until they are tender, which usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Drain them and serve immediately.

Steamed turnips are a healthier alternative to boiling as they keep intact much of their nutrient content. To steam turnips, you’ll need a steamer basket or a pot with a steamer insert. Steam the turnips until they’re tender, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, simply season to taste and serve.

For sautéing, chop the turnips into small or medium-sized pieces and sauté in oil with salt and pepper until they’re golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Adding onions and garlic can also give an extra flavor boost.

If you want to get more creative, try including turnips in stir-fries for a crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor.

III. Roasting Turnips to Perfection

Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness in turnips. To roast turnips, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the turnips into wedges or pieces and drizzle some olive oil over them. Season them with salt and pepper, and roast until they’re tender and caramelized.

To add more flavor, try tossing the turnips in garlic, herbs, or honey before roasting. You can also add other root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the same sheet to create a well-balanced meal.

For a spicy dish, season the turnips with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. The result is a turnip dish that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside.

IV. An Exploration of Turnip Soups

Turnips are great in soups because they impart a sweet, slightly bitter taste that is perfect for balancing out other flavors. Turnip soups are relatively easy to make and can be adapted to suit your particular tastes. For a classic turnip soup, simmer peeled and chopped turnips with onions, garlic, and vegetable stock until they’re tender. Afterwards, blend the mixture until it’s smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

You can make creamier, richer soups by adding cream, coconut milk, or pureed potatoes. Alternatively, you can try a more adventurous recipe like Indian-style turnip soup, which calls for curry powder, coconut milk, and various spices. Whatever recipe you choose, make sure to garnish your soup with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture and flavor.

V. Turnip Mash: A Unique Twist on a Classic

If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to potatoes, turnip mash is a great choice. It’s lower in carbs and calories than traditional mashed potatoes while still delivering a satisfying comfort food experience. Making turnip mash is easy; first, peel and cut the turnips into small pieces and boil them for around 20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. Mash the softened turnips with butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic, herbs, or cheese to taste.

The best part of turnip mash is that you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Try adding a touch of sweetness with honey or brown sugar, or make it extra savory by tossing in crispy bacon or chives. Combined with roasted meat, turnip mash makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

VI. Savory Turnip Tarts

A savory turnip tart is a perfect dish to serve whenever you’re looking for something that’s both hearty and elegant. For the crust, roll out store-bought pie dough and top it with a layer of thinly-sliced turnips, along with goat cheese and a mixture of caramelized onions and garlic. Bake it in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Once it’s done, garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Alternatively, you can customize your tart by using different cheeses, such as feta or Gruyere. For a vegetarian option, try adding roasted mushrooms or another cooked vegetable of your choice. It’s a perfect side dish for dinner parties or a light lunch.

VII. The Sweet Side of Turnips

While turnips are typically used in savory dishes, they can also be used in sweet recipes. They are rich in natural sugars, and when cooked properly, they lend a sweet and nutty flavor to desserts. One of the most popular recipes for sweet turnips is turnip cake–a traditional Chinese dessert that combines chopped turnips, sticky rice flour, and pork. Another option is a turnip pie that is sweetened with apples and honey.

For a healthier dessert option, try making a turnip and honey cake. This dessert is packed with fiber and uses natural sweeteners, such as honey and cinnamon, rather than refined sugars.

VIII. 5 Ways to Use Turnips in Your Favorite Dishes

Here are some creative ways to use turnips in your favorite dishes:

1. Add roasted turnips to vegetable stir-fries or casseroles.

2. Use turnip greens in salads or soups.

3. Grate turnips and add them to coleslaw or salads for extra crunch.

4. Substitute turnips for potatoes in your favorite soup or stew recipes.

5. Use sliced turnips as a pizza topping along with other vegetables and cheese.

IX. Conclusion

There you have it: turnips are an endlessly versatile ingredient that’s easy to cook, nutrient-dense, and affordable. Whether you’re roasting them, boiling them, or turning them into a sweet and savory tart, there are countless ways to enjoy the unique taste and texture of this root vegetable. We hope this guide has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and try something new.