Turnips, often overlooked in favor of other root vegetables, are a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook turnips using various methods, ensuring you bring out the best in this humble vegetable.
Preparing Turnips
Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare your turnips properly.
Peeling: While the skin of smaller turnips can be tender and edible, it’s recommended to peel larger bulbs to avoid a sharp aftertaste. Use a vegetable peeler, similar to how you would peel potatoes[2][5].
Chopping: Cut the turnips into the desired shape and size. For boiling or mashing, halve or quarter them. For roasting or sautéing, cut them into 1-inch cubes or wedges[2][4][5].
Boiling Turnips
Boiling is a straightforward method to cook turnips.
Step 1: Prep. Peel the turnips if necessary and halve or quarter them depending on their size.
Step 2: Boil. Place the turnips in a pot and cover them with about 2 inches of salted water. Bring to a boil, then adjust the heat to a simmer until the turnips are tender when pierced with a toothpick or the tip of a paring knife, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes[2].
Step 3: Season and Serve. Drain the turnips and season with salt and pepper. You can serve them as is, tossed with butter and olive oil, or mash them with butter and cream cheese for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes[2].
Roasting Turnips
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and adds a caramelized flavor to the turnips.
Step 1: Preheat. Preheat your oven to 425-450 degrees F (220-232 degrees C)[2][4].
Step 2: Prep. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Toss the turnip cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices (such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder)[2][4].
Step 3: Roast. Arrange the turnip cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the turnips are fork tender, browned, and slightly caramelized, which typically takes 30-35 minutes[2][4].
Braising Turnips
Braising turnips results in a velvety and juicy texture with a flavorful sauce.
Step 1: Prep. Trim and peel the turnips if desired, then cut them into 1-inch pieces or wedges.
Step 2: Cook. Melt butter in a pan that can hold the turnips in a single layer. Add the turnips and toss to coat. Pour in enough broth, water, or other liquid to come about halfway up the turnips. Season lightly with salt and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes[2].
Step 3: Coat. Transfer the turnips to a bowl and continue simmering the sauce until it is reduced and slightly thickened. Add the turnips back to the sauce and toss to coat and reheat. You can add a final bit of butter and mild herbs like parsley or chervil for extra flavor[2].
Sautéing Turnips
Sautéing is a quick and flavorful way to cook turnips.
Step 1: Prep. Chop the turnips into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Cook. Heat a pan with olive oil over medium heat. Add the turnip cubes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turnips are tender and lightly browned. You can also add turnip greens at the end to wilt them in the pan, along with pieces of bacon or ham for extra flavor[5].
Removing Bitterness
If you find turnips too bitter, there’s a simple trick to reduce the bitterness:
Add a little baking soda to the boiling water after the turnips are cooked. The baking soda will bubble and foam, helping to remove the bitterness. Stir for a couple of minutes, then drain and rinse the turnips with warm water[1].
Serving Suggestions
Mashed Turnips: After boiling, mash the turnips with butter, cream cheese, and any desired seasonings for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes[2][5].
Roasted Turnips: Serve roasted turnips as a side dish, or mix them with other roasted vegetables like red potatoes and carrots[4][5].
Braised Turnips: Serve braised turnips with the reduced sauce and a sprinkle of herbs for a rich and flavorful side dish[2].
Important Facts About Cooking Turnips
Peeling: Peel larger turnips to avoid bitterness, but smaller ones can be left unpeeled[2][5].
Chopping: Cut turnips into appropriate sizes depending on the cooking method (cubes for roasting, halves or quarters for boiling)[2][4][5].
Cooking Times: Boiling takes 20-30 minutes, roasting takes 30-35 minutes, and braising takes about 20 minutes[2][4].
Removing Bitterness: Use baking soda in the boiling water to reduce bitterness[1].
Versatility: Turnips can be boiled, roasted, braised, sautéed, or even made into a silky smooth soup or pesto[2][5].
By following these steps and tips, you can unlock the full flavor and versatility of turnips, making them a delightful addition to your meals.
