Turnips, the robust root vegetables that have nourished populations for centuries, are more than just a staple in stews and soups. These nutrient-rich roots are a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a plethora of health benefits alongside their distinctive peppery flavor.
As you explore the various ways to prepare turnips, you’ll find that they can be roasted, boiled, sautéed, or even eaten raw. Each preparation technique enhances the vegetable’s natural flavors and textures.
Roasting turnips caramelizes their sugars, giving them a subtly sweet and crispy exterior. Meanwhile, boiling and mashing them offers a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Lastly, sautéing allows you to enjoy their crisp bite with a golden-brown finish.
Understanding how to prepare turnips can transform them into a dish that is both nutritious and appealing to the palate. Their adaptability in the kitchen means that whether you’re seeking to create a savory side dish, a hearty main, or simply to add them raw to a salad for an extra crunch, turnips can be incorporated into your cooking routine with ease.
Remember to consider the tops, which can be wilted down in a pan for a flavorful and nutritious addition to your recipes.
Selecting and Storing Turnips
When you’re at the market, your goal is to pick turnips that are fresh and store them in a way that maintains their quality until you’re ready to use them. The best selections will lead to better taste and longer shelf-life.
Examining Freshness and Quality
To ensure you are selecting the best turnips, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth and free of bruises or soft spots, which can indicate spoilage or internal damage.
Smaller turnips tend to be sweeter and more tender, while larger ones may be more fibrous.
Criteria
What to Look For
Size
Small to medium; larger turnips can be woodier.
Skin Appearance
Smooth, without bruises or soft spots.
Firmness
Firm to the touch, not soft.
Color
Evenly colored skin, consistent with variety.
Storing Techniques
After selecting your turnips, proper storage is important to extend their freshness.
Keep turnips in a cool, dark place with a humidity level of 90-95%. The ideal temperature range is between 32-40°F (0-4°C).
For best results, remove the greens from the turnip to prevent moisture loss. If refrigerated, store them in the crisper drawer to maintain humidity:
Location: Cool, dark place or refrigerator crisper.
Temperature: 32-40°F (0-4°C).
Humidity: 90-95%.
Preparation: Remove greens from turnip roots.
Preparation Basics
Before you start cooking, proper preparation of your turnips will set the foundation for delicious results. The freshest flavors emerge when turnips are cleaned, peeled, and cut using the right techniques.
Cleaning and Peeling
To begin, ensure your turnips are clean. Use a vegetable brush under running water to scrub away any soil.
A clean exterior is crucial before peeling, as it prevents dirt from transferring onto the flesh.
For peeling, a vegetable peeler is your tool of choice. Hold the turnip steady and peel from top to bottom, removing the tough outer skin to reveal the tender flesh beneath.
Cutting and Chopping
Once your turnips are peeled, it’s time to cut them.
Start by slicing your turnips into thick rounds. Place the flat side down for stability before you make the next cuts.
To dice, stack the rounds and slice into sticks, then turn and chop into cubes.
For julienne cuts, reposition the sticks and slice thinly. These techniques ensure uniform pieces for even cooking.
Good knife skills are important here; always use a sharp knife and be mindful of your fingers.
Cooking Methods
Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be cooked in various ways, each method bringing out unique flavors and textures. By understanding different cooking techniques, you can enjoy turnips in their best form for your particular dish.
Boiling Turnips
Boiling is a straightforward method to prepare turnips.
Peel and chop your turnips into even chunks, then place them in a pot of salted boiling water.
Cook them until they are fork-tender, which typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Drain the turnips well before mashing or seasoning them to serve.
Roasting Turnips
To roast turnips, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Clean, peel, and cut the turnips into wedges or chunks to ensure quick and even cooking.
Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread out on a baking sheet.
Roast until they are tender and golden, around 20-30 minutes depending on the size of your cuts.
Braising Turnips
Braising combines slow cooking turnips in a flavorful liquid to infuse them with flavor.
Slice the turnips and brown them slightly in oil or butter. Then add a small amount of stock or water, cover, and simmer on low heat.
The turnips become tender and absorb the flavors of the braising liquid over the course of about 30 minutes.
Baking and Other Methods
Bake turnips by incorporating them into recipes such as gratins or casseroles.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), assemble your dish with complementary ingredients like cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until the mixture is bubbly and the turnips are cooked through, which could take about 40 minutes.
Other methods such as steaming or microwaving are quick alternatives that preserve the vegetable’s nutrients while softening them for immediate enjoyment.
Flavor Enhancement
Turnips can bring a unique earthy flavor to a variety of dishes. Their peppery taste makes them excellent in enhancing the flavors when paired correctly.
Seasoning with Herbs and Spices
You can enrich the earthy essence of turnips by incorporating various herbs and spices.
Salt and pepper are essential; they will bolster the natural flavor profile.
Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary introduces a fragrant dimension to the dish. Meanwhile, for a hit of pungency, garlic can be an excellent addition.
Herbs: Use thyme or rosemary to add depth.
Spices: A bit of garlic can elevate the peppery notes.
Pairing with Meats and Other Vegetables
Turnips are versatile and can be paired with a broad spectrum of meats and vegetables to create a harmonious dish.
They complement the richness of meat such as beef, providing a balance to its savory flavors.
When thinking of vegetables, consider combining turnips with cabbage or mixing them into salads for a crisp texture contrast.
Pairing
Description
Turnip and Beef
Balances richness with turnip’s peppery undertones
Turnip and Cabbage
Offers a textural and flavor contrast
Turnip in Salads
Adds a crunchy, sweet element
Turnip Varieties in the Kitchen
Young Turnips for Salads
Young turnips, like the Hakurei variety, are perfect for raw consumption.
They have a light, sweet flavor that complements the fresh elements of salads. Their crisp texture adds a delightful crunch without overpowering other ingredients.
Slice baby bunch turnips thinly to incorporate their sweetness and crispness effectively into your salads.
Mature Turnips for Heartier Dishes
For savory, hearty stews, opt for mature turnips which contribute a richer flavor and sturdy texture.
Their ability to absorb seasonings makes them excellent for slow-cooked dishes.
Milan and Scarlet varieties, known for their distinctive flavor profiles, become more tender and succulent when cooked slowly. This releases their full-bodied taste and melds seamlessly with the other ingredients in your stew.
Recipes and Serving Suggestions
The versatility of turnips allows for a variety of preparation techniques from mashed dishes to elaborate gratins. These root vegetables can even serve as a low-carb alternative in many recipes, offering a unique flavor profile.
Mashed Turnips
To create Mashed Turnips, you’ll want to boil peeled and cubed turnips until tender, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
Once cooked, drain and mash the turnips with butter, cream, salt, and pepper for a simple yet creamy side dish.
To enhance their flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme before mashing.
Thinly slice the turnips and layer them in a baking dish with cheese and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Mix cream with grated nutmeg and pour over the turnip layers, then bake until bubbly and golden-brown.
Turnips can also be cut into strips, tossed with oil and seasoning, and roasted to make delicious turnip fries—a healthier and low-carb alternative to traditional fries.
Innovative Turnip Dishes
Do not shy away from experimenting with turnips in innovative dishes.
Incorporate them into your stews, or try them glazed in a combination of butter, sugar, and herbs for a side that is both sweet and savory.
Sautéed or steamed turnips can also be tossed with garlicky breadcrumbs and Parmesan, offering a delectable contrast of textures.
Advanced Preparation Techniques
In your culinary journey with turnips, adopting advanced preparation techniques can significantly enhance both the texture and flavor of your dishes.
These methods are designed to ensure even cooking and achieve that perfect texture that is pivotal for taking your turnips from good to great.
Blanching for Even Cooking
Blanching is a crucial step you can use to jump-start the cooking process.
Prepare a pot of boiling water and a bowl with an ice bath.
Cut your turnips into uniform thin slices or cubes to ensure even exposure to heat.
Boil the turnip pieces for 1-2 minutes until they are just beginning to soften. Time can vary based on thickness.
Transfer the turnips immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
This quick thermal shock helps maintain a vibrant color, reduces bitterness, and preps the turnips for further cooking, eliminating unevenly cooked pieces in your final dish.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Texture is an essential aspect of cooking turnips. Here’s how you can control it:
For tender and succulent turnips, cook them at a low temperature for a longer period.
This method allows the turnips to release their natural juices slowly and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Roasting or sautéing turnips creates a crisp exterior and a soft interior. Always ensure pieces are of a similar size for uniform cooking.
If you seek a firm and crisp texture, consider cooking the blanched turnips briefly with high heat.
Specialty Uses of Turnips
Turnips offer unique applications in the culinary world, particularly in fermentation and as a low-carb alternative. Your culinary repertoire can expand by integrating these uses into your dishes.
Turnips in Fermentation and Pickling
You can harness the power of lactic acid fermentation to transform raw turnips into a tangy, probiotic-rich food.
When pickled, turnips take on a delightful piquancy that can enhance a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to salads. The process is straightforward:
Slice the turnips thinly.
Submerge them in a brine of water, salt, and optional flavorings like garlic or peppercorns.
Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for several days to a few weeks.
Pickled turnips often accompany dishes such as falafel or are featured in mezze platters. They’re also a colorful addition to radish pickles, offering a contrast in both flavor and texture.
Low-Carb Alternatives in Diets
Replacing starchy vegetables with turnips can significantly lower the carbohydrate content of your meals.
With a similar texture to potatoes when cooked, turnips can be:
Mashed: Boil turnips until tender, then mash with butter, cream, and seasonings.
Roasted: Cube and toss with oil and spices, then roast until golden.
Spiralized: Create turnip ‘noodles’ as a base for pasta sauces.
In comparison to potatoes, turnips contain a fraction of the carbs, making them suitable for ketogenic and other low-carb eating plans. Their mild taste also makes them a versatile substitute in recipes that call for high-carb ingredients like potatoes or even radishes, which have a more peppery flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before diving into the specifics, rest assured that turnips can be prepared in a multitude of ways to suit your taste and culinary needs.
Here are some common questions and straightforward methods to get you cooking these versatile root vegetables with confidence.
What are some simple methods for preparing turnips for cooking?
To start, select a firm turnip, rinse under cool water, and peel the skin. You can then chop the turnip into cubes or slices, depending on your recipe. This basic preparation is suitable for various turnip dishes.
How can I roast turnips to enhance their flavor?
For roasting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss turnip pieces with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast until they are caramelized and tender, about 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
Can you share techniques for cooking turnips on the stovetop?
To cook turnips on the stovetop, add diced turnip to a skillet with hot oil or butter over medium heat.
Sauté until they’re tender and golden brown, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Ensure even cooking by stirring occasionally.
What’s a traditional Southern approach to cooking turnips?
In Southern cuisine, turnips are often boiled or stewed.
Begin by placing chopped turnips into a pot, covering them with water, and simmering until tender. They’re traditionally served with turnip greens and flavored with bacon or ham hock for added richness.
Is it necessary to peel turnips before cooking them, or can they be cooked with the skin on?
Young, small turnips can be cooked with their skin on as it’s tender. However, larger turnips have tougher skin that is usually better to peel to avoid any bitterness and to ensure a pleasant texture in the cooked dish.
What can be done to reduce the bitterness in turnips during cooking?
To reduce bitterness, blanch turnips in boiling water for a few minutes before incorporating them into your recipe. This technique can mellow out the sharpness, making them more palatable. This is especially helpful if you’re sensitive to bitter flavors.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
