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When it comes to root vegetables, turnips are often overlooked in favor of carrots or potatoes. However, turnips have a unique flavor and texture that can add a delicious twist to your dishes. Not only can you cook the roots, but you can also use the greens for a nutritious side dish.

To cook turnips, start by peeling them and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until they become tender, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. You can then drain them and add them to your favorite recipes, like soups, stews, or roasted vegetable medleys.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can also steam or sauté turnips. Steaming preserves their natural nutrients and flavors, while sautéing allows you to caramelize them slightly for added sweetness. Both methods make for a delicious side dish or a tasty addition to salads.

As for turnip greens, they are often discarded, but they are actually incredibly nutritious and flavorful. To cook them, start by rinsing them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Then, sauté them in olive oil or butter until they wilt and become tender. Feel free to add some garlic, onions, or herbs to enhance the taste. Turnip greens can be served as a side dish on their own, or you can mix them with other greens like spinach or kale for a nutrient-packed salad.

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Next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t overlook the humble turnip. With its versatile roots and nutritious greens, it’s a vegetable worth adding to your cooking repertoire. Whether you choose to boil, steam, or sauté them, turnips are sure to bring a unique and delicious flavor to your meals.

How to Cook Turnips and Turnip Greens

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals, turnips and turnip greens are the perfect choice. Not only are they packed with vitamins and minerals, but they also add a unique flavor to your dishes. Here are a few simple ways to cook turnips and turnip greens:

1. Roasted Turnips:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the turnips into cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the turnips on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until they are golden and tender. Serve as a side dish or add them to a salad for extra crunch.

2. Mashed Turnips:

Peel and dice the turnips into cubes. Place them in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender. Drain the turnips and transfer them to a bowl. Add butter, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the turnips until they reach your desired consistency. Serve hot as a comforting side dish.

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3. Sautéed Turnip Greens:

Trim the stems off the turnip greens and wash them thoroughly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add the turnip greens and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Serve as a healthy and flavorful side dish.

4. Steamed Turnips:

Peel and slice the turnips into thin rounds. Place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 10-12 minutes until the turnips are tender. Remove from heat and season with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Enjoy these steamed turnips as a light and refreshing snack.

5. Turnip Green Soup:

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How To Cook Swedish Baked Turnips

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Chop the turnip greens into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add chicken or vegetable broth, diced turnips, and chopped turnip greens. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the turnips are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice. Serve hot as a comforting and hearty soup.

Now that you know how to cook turnips and turnip greens, get creative in the kitchen and add these tasty vegetables to your favorite dishes. Whether baked, boiled, sautéed, or steamed, turnips and turnip greens are sure to elevate your meals!

Preparing Turnips

Before you can cook turnips, it is important to properly prepare them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare turnips for cooking:

1. Selecting Turnips

When selecting turnips, look for ones that are firm and have a smooth skin. Avoid turnips that are soft, bruised, or have any signs of decay.

2. Washing Turnips

Before preparing turnips, wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. You can use a brush to scrub the skin if needed.

3. Peeling Turnips

If desired, peel the turnips using a vegetable peeler. This step is optional, as some prefer to cook turnips with the skin intact, which adds texture and flavor.

4. Cutting Turnips

After washing and peeling, cut the turnips into the desired shape or size. Common options include dicing, slicing, or chopping.

5. Removing Greens

If your turnips came with their greens attached, remove the greens by gently twisting or cutting them off. Turnip greens can be used in various recipes as well.

6. Storing Turnips

If you are not cooking the turnips immediately, store them in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or refrigerator. They can be stored for up to a week.

Cooking Turnips

Turnips are root vegetables that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They have a slightly bitter and tangy flavor that pairs well with other vegetables and meats. Here are a few different cooking methods to try when preparing turnips:

Boiling: To boil turnips, start by peeling and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the turnips and season them with salt, pepper, and a pat of butter.

Mashing: Mashed turnips are a delicious and nutritious alternative to mashed potatoes. Peel and dice the turnips, then boil them until they are soft. Drain the turnips and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Add some butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

Roasting: Roasted turnips have a sweet and caramelized flavor. Start by peeling and slicing the turnips into wedges or cubes. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Spread the turnips out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Stir-frying: Turnips can add a unique crunch to stir-fry dishes. Peel and slice the turnips into thin strips or matchsticks. Heat some oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add the turnips. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are crisp-tender. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor.

Sautéing: Sautéing turnips brings out their natural sweetness. Peel and slice the turnips into rounds or half-moons. Heat some butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the turnips. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Whether you prefer boiled, mashed, roasted, stir-fried, or sautéed turnips, this versatile vegetable can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to find your favorite way to cook turnips.

Roasting Turnips

Roasting turnips is a delicious way to bring out their natural sweetness and add a crispy texture. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel the turnips and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Place the turnip pieces in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, making sure they are well coated.
4. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or rosemary.
5. Spread the turnip pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the turnips are tender and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful roasted turnips as a side dish or as a healthy snack!

Roasting turnips is a simple and delicious way to enhance the flavor of this root vegetable. Give it a try and savor the delicious results!

Q&A

What are some tasty turnip recipes?

One tasty turnip recipe is roasted turnips with honey and thyme. To make this dish, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel and cube the turnips, then toss them with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread the turnips out on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Another delicious recipe is turnip gratin. Thinly slice the turnips and layer them in a baking dish with cream, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes, or until the turnips are cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.

How do I prepare turnips for cooking?

To prepare turnips for cooking, start by washing the roots to remove any dirt or debris. Then, peel the turnips using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Once peeled, you can slice, dice, cube, or julienne the turnips, depending on the recipe you are using. If you are cooking turnip greens, remove the stems and discard any wilted or discolored leaves. Rinse the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.

Can I eat turnip greens raw?

While turnip greens can be eaten raw, they are often cooked to soften their texture and enhance their flavor. However, if you enjoy raw greens, you can add turnip greens to salads or use them as a topping for sandwiches. Just make sure to wash the greens thoroughly before eating them raw to remove any dirt or grit.

How long does it take to cook turnips?

The cooking time for turnips depends on how you are preparing them. If you are boiling or steaming turnips, it usually takes about 10-15 minutes for them to become tender. Roasting turnips typically takes around 25-30 minutes, while sautéing or stir-frying turnips can take 5-10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. It’s always best to check the turnips for doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife.

Are turnip greens nutritious?

Yes, turnip greens are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Including turnip greens in your meals can help boost your immune system, support bone health, and aid in digestion.

What are turnips and turnip greens?

Turnips are root vegetables that belong to the Brassica family. They have a round shape and a white or purple skin. Turnip greens are the leafy greens that grow on top of the turnips. They are edible and can be cooked and consumed.