If you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb vegetable to add to your dinner menu, turnips are a great option to consider. You may have overlooked this root vegetable in the past, but there are plenty of ways to cook them to perfection. Whether you prefer them roasted, in a soup or stew, or as a healthy substitute for potatoes, turnips can be an easy and delicious addition to any meal. In this article, we’ll explore some easy tips for cooking turnips like a pro.
What are Turnips?
If you’re looking for a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that’s delicious in a variety of dishes, turnips should be at the top of your list. These globe-shaped vegetables come in a variety of colors, from white to yellow to purple, and are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor.
The Nutritional Value of Turnips
Turnips are packed with important vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any diet. Here are just a few of the key nutrients you can find in turnips:
- Vitamin C: Like many other vegetables, turnips are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
- Fiber: With more than 3 grams of fiber per cup, turnips are a great way to add more roughage to your diet and keep your digestive system healthy.
- Potassium: Turnips are also high in potassium, an important mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports healthy nerve function.
How to Choose the Best Turnips
When selecting turnips, it’s important to choose quality vegetables that are fresh and free of damage. Here are a few tips for choosing the best turnips:
- Look for smooth skin: The skin of the turnip should be smooth and free of any blemishes or bruises.
- Check the weight: A heavier turnip will generally be more flavorful than a lighter one.
- Avoid large turnips: Larger turnips can be fibrous and tough, so stick to smaller ones for the best flavor.
Why Cook Turnips?
If you’re looking for a versatile and nutritious vegetable to add to your meals, turnips are an excellent choice. These root vegetables are easy to prepare, affordable, and packed with vitamins and minerals that offer a range of health benefits.
Savory Flavor
One of the reasons why turnips are so popular is their distinct and delicious taste. With their slightly sweet and earthy flavor, turnips are a great addition to countless dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and salads. They also have a refreshing crispness when raw, making them a great addition to crudité plates or as a snack with dip.
Adaptability in Various Dishes
Another reason why turnips are so popular is their versatility in recipes. They can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods, including roasted, boiled, and steamed, or eaten raw. They can also be used in a range of dishes, like mashed turnips, turnip fries, turnip chips, and turnip gratin. Turnips add flavor and nutrition to any meal.
- Boiled turnips make a delicious and nutritious side dish. Simply chop the turnips into small pieces, boil them in water for around 15 minutes, and season with butter, salt, and a bit of pepper.
- Roasting turnips with other root vegetables is a great way to bring out their inherent sweetness. Simply peel and chop the turnips, toss them with herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at high heat until they’re crispy and tender.
- Turnip chips make a healthier, more nutritious alternative to potato chips. Simply slice the turnips thinly, toss with your favorite herbs and spices and roast them in the oven until crispy.
These methods all deliver amazing turnip dishes, and are sure to leave your guests asking for the recipe.
How to Prepare Turnips for Cooking
If you are a turnip lover, or you simply want to try out a new recipe, then it is important to know how to properly prepare turnips. Here are some easy tips on how to do it!
Peeling Turnips
First, you need to peel the turnips. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the tough outer layer of the turnips. Make sure to remove all the skin so that the turnips are tender and easy to eat.
Cutting Turnips
Next, cut the turnips into cubes or slices, depending on how you plan to cook them. If you are going to roast them, cut them into even-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. If you are going to sauté them, cut them into thin slices that will cook quickly. If you are going to boil them, cut them into larger pieces so that they don’t fall apart during cooking.
Prepping Turnips
Finally, it’s time to prep the turnips for cooking. Here are some different ways to cook turnips:
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed turnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Sautéing: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced turnips and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and starting to caramelize.
- Boiling: Place the larger turnip pieces in a pot of salted boiling water and boil for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the turnips and season with butter, salt, and pepper.
With these easy tips, you can now prepare turnips like a pro and enjoy them in a variety of different dishes!
Best Turnip Recipes
Turnips may not be the most popular vegetable out there, but they are certainly worth trying out. They have a unique flavor that adds a tasty twist to any dish. Here are some of the best turnip recipes you can try out:
Mashed Turnips
Mashed turnips are a classic dish that is easy to make and super delicious. Start by boiling the turnips until they are soft and then mash them with butter, salt, and pepper. You can also add some herbs and spices to give them a more nuanced flavor.
Turnip Fries
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular french fries, turnip fries are the way to go. Slice the turnips into thin strips and then coat them in olive oil and a mix of spices. Bake them in the oven until they are crispy and golden brown.
Turnip and Potato Gratin
If you want to impress your dinner guests, this turnip and potato gratin is sure to do the trick. Slice the turnips and potatoes thinly and layer them in a baking dish with cream, garlic, and cheese. Bake in the oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Turnip and Carrot Soup
Turnips also work great in soups. For this recipe, you’ll need some turnips, carrots, onion, and chicken broth. Cook everything together until the vegetables are tender and then puree the mixture until it’s smooth. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh herbs on top.
Turnip Storage and Preservation
If you want to keep your turnips fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, it’s essential to know how to store and preserve them properly. Here are some tips:
1. Refrigeration
Turnips can be stored in the refrigerator in the same way as most vegetables. Depending on the humidity in your fridge, you can keep them for up to a week. Be sure to remove any greens before storing, as they draw the moisture out of the turnip, making it dry and less juicy. After cleaning, make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing in a container with a paper towel lining to absorb any moisture.
2. Freezing
You can freeze raw turnips or cooked ones. Before freezings, peel, and cut them into slices or cubes and boil them for three to five minutes. Keep them in ice-cold water for another three minutes before patting them dry and transferring them to a plastic freezer bag or container. Frozen turnips retain their flavor for up to six months.
3. Blanching and Canning
Blanching airy turnips is the process of boiling them for about two minutes, then transferring them immediately to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Canned turnips, when stored at room temperature, can last for up to three months.
4. Pickling
Pickling is a tasty way to preserve turnips. A solution of water, vinegar, and salt are boiled before the turnips are added. The mixture is then cooled down and transferred to a jar or container with the turnips and other desired ingredients, like onions and garlic. Most refrigerator pickles last for up to a month, but they’re so delicious they’re unlikely to last that long!
5. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens need special attention. Don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them, as moisture speeds up spoilage. After removing the root end, wrap them in paper towels and store in an airtight container. By doing so, they’ll last for up to five days. Alternatively, they can be blanched and frozen or canned for future use.
FAQs About Cooking Turnips
If you’re new to cooking turnips, you may have some questions about how to prepare them properly. Here are some of the most common questions and answers:
How Long Do You Cook Turnips?
The cooking time for turnips depends on how you’re preparing them. If you’re boiling turnips, it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cook them until they’re tender. If you’re roasting turnips, it can take up to 45 minutes in a 375°F oven. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
What Foods Pair Well with Turnips?
Turnips have a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, so they pair well with other robust flavors. You can try pairing them with rich meats like pork, beef, or duck. They also taste great with other root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. For a vegetarian option, you can roast turnips with cauliflower, onion, and garlic.
Do You Have to Peel Turnips?
It’s not always necessary to peel turnips, but it’s a good idea to do so if they are at all tough or waxy. You can use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, or you can cut off the top and bottom with a knife and then slice off the skin in sections. If the turnips are fresh and tender, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrition.
Can You Eat Turnips Raw?
Yes, you can eat turnips raw, but they are often cooked to mellow out their flavor. If you’re going to eat turnips raw, choose small, young ones that are not too bitter. You can slice them thinly and add them to salads for extra crunch. You can also grate them and mix them with other vegetables for homemade slaw or coleslaw.
How Do You Store Turnips?
Turnips can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, but it’s best to use them as soon as possible for maximum freshness. Before storing, remove any greens attached to the turnips, as they can draw moisture from the root and cause spoilage. Store turnips in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge. If they start to get soft or develop spots, it’s time to use them ASAP.
How Do You Cut Turnips?
To cut turnips, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the turnip with your knife. Then, cut the turnip in half from top to bottom. Lay each half flat on your cutting board and slice them into thin half-moons or cubes as needed for your recipe.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope you found these tips helpful in cooking turnips like a pro. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these simple techniques can help you create delicious turnip dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. Don’t forget to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to make your dishes even tastier. And if you want to learn more about cooking different vegetables, be sure to check out our other articles. Thanks again for reading and we hope to see you again soon!
Cook Turnips Like a Pro with These Easy Tips
Ingredients
- 4 medium turnips peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Peel and slice the turnips into 1/4-inch pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the turnips and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Drizzle with honey in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Enjoy your perfectly cooked turnips!
