Most of us do not buy turnips for the fear of not knowing how to cook them. Well, you can now calm your fears, as the upcoming information will take you through myriad turnip recipes which are sure to please your taste buds.
Turnips are creamy-white vegetables with a tinge of purple, red, or green on the part that is exposed to sunlight. They are a root vegetable and belong to the cabbage family. Turnips are a rich source of vitamin C.
As a matter of fact, before potatoes hit the markets in England, turnips were one of the main sources of sustenance for the English peasantry. Baby turnips have a sweet and delicate taste, and are the size of large radishes. On the other hand, the winter turnips are more pungent and peppery in taste.
The turnip leaves, also known as greens, can be had by boiling, steaming, stir-frying, or grating them into salads. If the leaves are still attached to the turnips, they should be bright green and fresh.
Turnips are normally available around June and July, but it is best to pick them up between October to February. Turnip's nutrition is preserved only for a couple of days. Hence, it is important that you do not let them sit in the refrigerator for a long time.
Turnips and Spinach Recipe
This recipe serves 6 people, so you can adjust the recipe as per your choice.
Ingredients
Turnips (peeled and cut into thin slices): 3
Raisins: ½ cup
Garlic (minced): 1 clove
Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Fresh spinach (coarsely chopped): 10 ounces
Fresh ground nutmeg as per taste
Salt and pepper as per taste
Method
In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil.
Add turnip slices and raisins, and cook them for about a minute.
Now, add lemon juice to the turnips; cover for 3 to 4 minutes until cooked.
Stir in the spinach, and let it cook till it is just about wilted.
Sprinkle nutmeg, salt, and pepper as per taste after turning off the heat.
Serve hot.
Turnip Fries
If you're bored of having the regular potato fries, then this is one recipe that you should attempt.
Ingredients
Turnips (cut into slices of equal thickness, preferably thin slices): 2
Cookie sheet: 1
Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
Seasoning of your choice
Method
While you get the turnips ready, preheat the oven to 400°F.
After slicing, toss them in the oil. Follow it by sprinkling the seasoning.
Next, place the turnips evenly on a cookie sheet.
Let the turnips cook in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, check after every 10 minutes. Change sides when required. After half an hour, your turnip fries are ready!
Turnips and Carrots Recipe
This is an extremely wonderful side dish. It can also be had with bread.
Ingredients
Carrots (peeled and sliced): 1 pound
Turnip (peeled and diced): 1 large
Milk: ⅔ cup
Butter: 1 tablespoon
Ground ginger: ¼ teaspoon
Salt and pepper as per taste
Shredded carrots for garnishing
Red pepper: a dash
Method
Boil the carrots and turnips in different pans, containing salted water, for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Drain and keep them aside to cool down.
Next, blend the carrots and turnips together in milk.
Now add butter, salt, and pepper and continue to blend until puréed.
Heat the purée for about 4 to 5 minutes, and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with shredded carrots and a dash of red pepper before serving.
Turnips can also be cooked with meat. When you are cooking, just ensure that you do not overcook them. So, think no further, try these turnip recipes, and add in your own little twists to bring in an unexpected burst of flavor!