Turnips are versatile and delicious vegetables that can be prepared in a variety of ways. From roasting to boiling, turnips can be used to create a wide range of dishes that will delight your taste buds. In this article, we will explore eight different methods for cooking and serving turnips that are sure to impress your friends and family.
How to Choose Turnips
Before we dive into the cooking techniques, it’s important to know how to choose the best turnips for your recipes. Look for turnips that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth and blemish-free skin. Avoid oversized turnips as they can be fibrous and bitter. Opt for turnips that are no larger than 3 inches in diameter, and if the leaves are attached, make sure they are deep green and crisp. Keep in mind that there are different varieties of turnips, such as rutabagas and Tokyo turnips, each with their own unique flavors.
How to Store Turnips
To keep your turnips fresh, store them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag for 1 to 3 weeks. It’s important to separate the turnip greens from the roots and store them separately. The greens will stay fresh for 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze turnips, blanch them for a couple of minutes or cook them before pureeing.
How to Prepare Turnips for Cooking
Before you start cooking your turnips, make sure to wash them in cool water and trim the top and bottom. Young turnips do not need to be peeled, but older turnips may have tough skin that is best removed. Keep in mind that turnips take longer to cook than carrots, so allow for 10-15 minutes of cooking time when boiling and slightly more when steaming. Also, be aware that turnips absorb fat easily, so fried turnips will be higher in calories.
How to Bake Turnips
Baking turnips is a simple and delicious way to enjoy their natural flavors. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Rub the turnips with olive or vegetable oil and sprinkle them with salt. Use a fork to prick the turnips all over. Place the turnips on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, turning them once halfway through. The turnips are done when a sharp knife easily slides into the flesh and the skin is golden and crispy.
How to Roast Turnips
Roasting turnips brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor. Start by pre-cooking the turnips in a microwave until they are soft but still firm. This will take about 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can boil them in salted water until tender, which will take around 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Spread the turnip wedges on a pan or baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil or your choice of fat. Season with salt, herbs, or spices. Roast the turnips for 20 to 30 minutes, until they are browned on the bottoms and can be easily removed with a spatula.
How to Boil Turnips
Boiling turnips is a classic method that results in tender and flavorful vegetables. Start by peeling and trimming the turnips. You can either cook them whole or cut them into equal-sized pieces. Place the turnips in a pot with enough water to cover them, add a pinch of salt, and bring the water to a boil. For a sweeter taste, you can also add a teaspoon of sugar. Cook the turnips until they are tender, which will take about 10 minutes for cut pieces and around 35 minutes for whole turnips.
How to Microwave Turnips
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook turnips, try using your microwave. Place the whole or sliced turnip in a covered dish and sprinkle it with a bit of water. Cook the turnip on high for about 10 minutes, or until it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
How to Stir-Fry Turnips
Stir-frying turnips is a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy their crispness. Start by peeling and trimming the turnips, then slice them into thin strips. Heat corn oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turnip strips and a quarter cup of stock or water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the turnips are tender, which will take about 7 minutes.
How to Mash Turnips
Mashing turnips gives them a creamy and delicious texture. Cut or dice the turnips into pieces and place them in a pot. Cover them with water and add a dash of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer the turnips until they are tender, which will take 15 to 40 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Drain the turnips and mash them with a potato masher. Add melted butter and season to taste with salt, pepper, or a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
How to Make Turnip Fries
If you’re craving a healthier alternative to traditional french fries, try making turnip fries. Cut the turnips into spears or strips, toss them in olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings (such as garlic powder, dried thyme, or cayenne). Place the turnip spears on a baking sheet or roasting pan and roast them at 425 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
How to Make Turnip Gratin
Turnip gratin is a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Peel the turnips and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Layer the slices in an ovenproof skillet, overlapping them slightly. Dot the top of the slices with butter and pour in enough half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream to come 3/4 of the way to the top. Place the skillet on the stove and bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes until the liquid level drops. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the top is browned and the turnips are tender. Garnish with grated cheese and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the dish is tender and browned.
Conclusion
Turnips are a versatile and delicious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you choose to bake, roast, boil, stir-fry, mash, or create gratins and fries, turnips are sure to add a unique and flavorful touch to your meals. So go ahead and experiment with these eight different cooking methods to discover your favorite way of enjoying this humble yet tasty vegetable.
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