Introduction
If you’ve ever walked by turnips at the grocery store and wondered what to do with them, you’re not alone. Many home cooks shy away from this root vegetable, unsure of how to prepare it. But with its mild, earthy flavor and versatility in the kitchen, turnips are an underrated ingredient worth exploring.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking turnips. From selecting and storing turnips to cooking techniques and recipes, you’ll learn how to prepare this nutritious and delicious vegetable like a pro.
Turnip 101: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Turnips Like A Pro
Before we dive into cooking techniques and recipes, let’s start with the basics. Turnips are a root vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, with the most common variety being white with a purple top.
When selecting turnips, choose ones that are firm with smooth skin and no soft spots. Small to medium-sized turnips will be less bitter than larger ones, so keep that in mind when choosing. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Different Preparation Techniques
One of the best things about turnips is their versatility in the kitchen. You can boil, roast, steam, or even stir-fry them. Here’s an overview of the different preparation techniques to help you choose the best method for your next turnip dish.
– Boiling: Boiling turnips is a quick and easy way to cook them. Simply peel and chop the turnips, place them in a pot with enough water to cover them, and boil for 10-15 minutes until they’re fork-tender.
– Roasting: Roasting turnips brings out their natural sweetness and is a great option for side dishes or adding to salads. Cut the turnips into wedges or cubes, toss with olive oil and your favorite spices, and roast in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown.
– Steaming: Steaming turnips is a healthier option that retains their nutrients. Peel and chop the turnips, place them in a steamer basket, and steam for 10-12 minutes until tender.
– Stir-frying: Turnips are a great addition to stir-fries, adding crunch and flavor to the mix. Cut the turnips into matchsticks or cubes, stir-fry with your favorite vegetables and protein, and serve over rice or noodles.
– Grilling: Grilling turnips is a unique option that adds smoky flavor to the vegetable. Cut the turnips into thick slices or wedges, brush with olive oil, and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly charred.
Additional Ingredients that Complement Turnips
Turnips pair well with a range of ingredients, including:
– Butter
– Olive oil
– Garlic
– Rosemary
– Thyme
– Parmesan cheese
– Honey
– Soy sauce
– Ginger
A Quick Guide to Perfectly Cooked Turnips
No matter which cooking technique you choose, here are a few tips to ensure your turnips are perfectly cooked:
– Choose turnips that are firm and smooth-skinned
– Peel and chop the turnips into evenly sized pieces for even cooking
– Do not overcook turnips, as they can become mushy and lose their flavor
– Add additional seasoning or spices to complement the natural flavor of the turnips
From Boiling to Roasting: 5 Easy Methods to Cook Turnips
Now that you’re familiar with the different preparation techniques and how to perfectly cook turnips, let’s dive into step-by-step instructions for 5 different ways to cook turnips.
Boiling Turnips
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the turnips and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the chopped turnips to the pot.
3. Boil the turnips for 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
4. Drain the turnips and transfer them back to the pot.
5. Add salt, pepper, and butter to the pot and gently stir until the turnips are coated.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Roasting Turnips
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and cut into wedges or cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, toss the turnips with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
3. Spread the turnips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the turnips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve hot.
Steaming Turnips
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Fill a pot with one inch of water and add a steamer basket.
2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the chopped turnips to the steamer basket.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the turnips for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
5. Remove the turnips from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Stir-frying Turnips
Ingredients:
– 2 small turnips, peeled and cut into matchsticks
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 carrot, sliced
– 1/2 onion, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the turnips, bell pepper, carrot, and onion to the skillet.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
4. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add soy sauce and grated ginger to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Serve the stir-fried turnips hot over rice or noodles.
Grilling Turnips
Ingredients:
– 2 small turnips, peeled and cut into thick slices or wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss the turnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
3. Grill the turnips for 3-4 minutes per side or until lightly charred and tender.
4. Serve the grilled turnips hot as a side dish or in a salad.
5 Delicious Turnip Recipes You Can Try Today
If you’re looking for turnip recipe inspiration, here are 5 delicious recipes to try.
Recipe 1: Honey-Glazed Turnips with Thyme and Rosemary
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped turnips to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Add honey, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet and stir until the turnips are coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Continue sautéing the turnips for an additional 5-7 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve the honey-glazed turnips hot as a side dish.
Recipe 2: Roasted Turnips with Parmesan and Garlic
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and cut into wedges or cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, toss the turnips with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the turnips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the turnips in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
5. Sprinkle with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes.
6. Serve the roasted turnips hot as a side dish.
Recipe 3: Turnip and Carrot Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 small turnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped turnips, carrots, onion, and garlic to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
3. Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are very tender.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream and serve hot.
Recipe 4: Turnip Gratin with Gruyere Cheese
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Layer the sliced turnips in a greased baking dish.
3. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
4. Add nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to the cream and stir to combine.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the turnips and sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese on top.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Serve the turnip gratin hot as a side dish.
Recipe 5: Ginger and Soy Glazed Turnips
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat.
2. Add the chopped turnips to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Combine honey, soy sauce, and grated ginger in a bowl.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the turnips and stir until the turnips are coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Continue sautéing the turnips for an additional 5-7 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve the ginger and soy glazed turnips hot as a side dish.
10 Easy Turnip Side Dishes to Compliment Any Meal
If you’re looking for turnip side dishes to add to your meal rotation, here are 10 easy and delicious options.
Recipe 1: Creamed Turnips
Ingredients:
– 4 small to medium turnips, peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper
– Chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil the diced turnips in a pot of salted water for 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
2. Drain the turnips and place them back in the pot.
3. Add heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir until the turnips are coated.
4.