Turnips are a versatile, nutrient-rich vegetable that often gets overlooked in modern kitchens. Whether roasted, boiled, sautéed, mashed, or even eaten raw, turnips can be transformed into a range of delicious dishes that complement a variety of cuisines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through various cooking methods for turnips, offering tips and tricks to make the most of this humble root vegetable.
Choosing and Preparing Turnips
Before diving into specific cooking methods, it’s important to start with the right turnips and prepare them properly. Here are a few guidelines to help you get started.
1. Selecting the Best Turnips
When choosing turnips at the grocery store or farmers’ market, look for small to medium-sized turnips, which are typically sweeter and more tender. Large turnips can be tougher and have a stronger, sometimes bitter flavor. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes, and the vegetable should feel firm to the touch. Soft or wrinkled turnips may be past their prime.
2. Washing and Peeling Turnips
Turnips grow underground, so they need to be washed thoroughly to remove dirt. Use cold water and scrub the skin with a vegetable brush to get rid of any remaining soil. Depending on the recipe, you may want to peel your turnips, particularly if they are large and have thick, tough skin. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the outer layer.
3. Cutting and Prepping Turnips
The way you cut your turnips will depend on the cooking method you’re using. For roasting, cut them into uniform chunks or wedges. For boiling, you can cube them, and for sautéing or stir-frying, thin slices work best. The key is to cut the pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Methods for Cooking Turnips
There are multiple ways to cook turnips, each highlighting different aspects of their flavor. Below are some of the most popular methods.
1. Roasting Turnips: Sweet and Caramelized
Roasting is one of the best ways to bring out the natural sweetness of turnips. When roasted, the sugars in the vegetable caramelize, resulting in a tender interior and slightly crispy exterior. Here’s how to roast turnips:
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the turnips into 1-inch cubes or wedges.
- Toss the turnips in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any seasonings you like, such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic.
- Spread them evenly on a baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.
Flavor Tips:
- Roasting turnips alongside other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes creates a colorful and flavorful side dish.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the natural sweetness of the roasted turnips.
2. Boiling Turnips: Simple and Versatile
Boiling is one of the easiest ways to cook turnips, and it’s perfect for recipes that call for mashed turnips or soups. Here’s how to boil turnips:
Instructions:
- Peel the turnips (optional, depending on the size and variety) and cut them into uniform cubes.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the turnips to the boiling water and reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the turnips are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the turnips and use them in your recipe or serve them as is with butter and herbs.
Flavor Tips:
- Boiled turnips can be mashed with butter, cream, and seasoning to create a smoother, richer dish.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of boiled turnips.
3. Mashed Turnips: A Comforting Side Dish
Mashed turnips are a creamy and comforting alternative to mashed potatoes, with a slightly different flavor profile. They are lower in carbs and bring a subtle sweetness to the table. Here’s how to make mashed turnips:
Instructions:
- Boil the turnips as described above until they are soft.
- Drain the water and return the turnips to the pot.
- Mash the turnips using a potato masher or a hand blender until smooth.
- Add butter, cream, or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Flavor Tips:
- Mashed turnips pair well with garlic, nutmeg, or Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- For extra creaminess, mix the turnips with mashed potatoes.
4. Sautéed Turnips: Quick and Flavorful
Sautéing turnips is a quick way to cook them, and this method works well for small, tender turnips. You can also sauté the greens, as they are edible and highly nutritious. Here’s how to sauté turnips:
Instructions:
- Slice the turnips thinly for faster cooking.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the turnips to the pan, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turnips are golden brown and tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you prefer.
Flavor Tips:
- For an added burst of flavor, sauté turnips with garlic, onions, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking can brighten the dish.
5. Steamed Turnips: Light and Healthy
Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook turnips, preserving their nutrients and keeping the flavor light and fresh. Steamed turnips are tender but not mushy, and they retain much of their natural sweetness. Here’s how to steam turnips:
Instructions:
- Peel and cut the turnips into cubes or wedges.
- Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the turnips in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water.
- Cover the pot and steam for 10-15 minutes, until the turnips are tender.
- Remove from the heat and season with butter, herbs, or lemon juice.
Flavor Tips:
- Steamed turnips are delicious with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter.
- You can steam turnips alongside other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or peas for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
6. Pickled Turnips: Tangy and Refreshing
Pickling turnips is a great way to preserve them and add a tangy, zesty flavor. Pickled turnips are commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine and make a fantastic accompaniment to sandwiches, grilled meats, and salads. Here’s how to pickle turnips:
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the turnips into thin sticks or rounds.
- Prepare the pickling brine by combining equal parts water and vinegar in a saucepan, along with salt, sugar, and optional spices like garlic or bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pour the brine over the turnips in a glass jar, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Flavor Tips:
- Pickled turnips are often paired with beets to give them a bright pink color and additional sweetness.
- You can experiment with different spices in the brine, such as mustard seeds, coriander, or chili flakes, to customize the flavor.
Tips for Cooking with Turnip Greens
Don’t throw away the leafy greens attached to turnips! Turnip greens are packed with nutrients and can be cooked in a variety of ways, much like spinach or kale. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Sautéed Greens: Sauté turnip greens in olive oil with garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a simple side dish.
- Steamed Greens: Steam turnip greens until tender and drizzle with lemon juice for a light and healthy dish.
- Added to Soups: Turnip greens can be chopped and added to soups, stews, or stir-fries for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Turnips are a versatile, delicious, and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways. Whether you prefer them roasted, mashed, sautéed, or pickled, turnips can add unique flavor and texture to your meals. With the right preparation, turnips can be a delightful addition to any meal, offering a wide range of flavors from sweet to earthy to tangy. So the next time you see turnips at the market, consider giving them a try in one of these easy and flavorful methods.
