Turnips are often shunned as weird or old-fashioned, but this root vegetable has gotten a bad rap. Its flavor is much like a potato crossed with a radish, so it's versatile and has the tiniest bit of spice. You can cook turnips in many different methods, just as you would a potato. They are mashed in this recipe, which is a good way to introduce them to the unaccustomed turnip eater. You can season as you like, experimenting with spices, and add butter in place of the olive oil here. Sticking with olive oil keeps it healthy, as does the use of soy milk, but if you prefer a more indulgent dish, feel free to use butter and cream. The flavor in turnips has enough character to stand on its own, so healthy eaters can cook this vegetable fat free with confidence. This recipe uses mashed vegetables, but they work just as well un-mashed. Just follow the recipe up to the mashing, and omit the milk. Think of them as boiled potatoes with a bit of flare. This recipe is a nice change from your ordinary side dish. It's a great way to avoid potato overkill during the holidays, or to add a bit of variety to your ordinary weekday meal. Turnips are fast, easy, vegetarian friendly, and healthy. Relieve them of their old fashioned recipe and treat them like a 70's fashion fad that's found new life. Enjoy.
Mashed Turnip Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 8 medium sized turnips
- Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- ¼ cup milk (regular or soy)
Directions:
- Peel turnips, trim ends and cut into quarters. Put in large stockpot, cover with cold water and bring to boil. Boil until fork tender, about 10 minutes.
- When cooked, pour pot contents into colander to strain. Return empty pot to low heat and add olive oil.
- Add drained turnips to oil, season with salt and pepper and mash with potato masher.
- If you don't have a potato masher, use a blender, food processor or the back of a heavy spoon.
- (Turnips can also be served quartered at this point rather than mashed.)
- Add milk and continue to mash until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot. Can be held in pot for an hour or so and re-warmed just prior to service.
Nutrition Facts Per serving:
- Calories: 67
- Calories from Fat: 64
- Total Fat: 7.1g, 11%
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g, 5%
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0.7g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Vitamins A, C & Calcium: 0
- Iron: 1%
