What are some delicious recipes using turnips?

Turnips are often overshadowed by more popular root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, but their slightly sweet flavor and versatility in the kitchen make them a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. Here are five delicious and easy-to-make recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds:

1. Spicy Turnip Fries

Who doesn’t love a good fry? Turnips are an excellent substitute for potatoes, as they have a similar texture and can absorb flavors just as well. For this recipe, we will make spicy turnip fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Ingredients:

• 2 large turnips, peeled and cut into thin fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder together, until well combined.
3. Add the turnip fries to the bowl and toss well, ensuring each fry is coated with the spice mixture.
4. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle some salt and pepper on top.
5. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, flipping them halfway through.
6. Serve hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Roasted Turnips with Honey and Thyme

Roasting turnips accentuates their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that makes them irresistible. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with earthy thyme to create a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized turnips, peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, honey, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the turnip wedges to the bowl and toss well, ensuring each piece is coated with the honey and herb mixture.
4. Arrange the turnips in a single layer on the baking sheet and pour any remaining mixture over the top.
5. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the turnips are fork-tender and golden brown.
6. Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.

3. Turnip and Carrot Soup

Turnips and carrots make for a perfect pairing in this hearty and nutritious soup. This recipe is easy to make and highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium-sized turnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the chopped turnips and carrots, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot, and stir well.
4. Pour the broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
7. Serve hot with a garnish of fresh herbs or sour cream.

4. Honey Roasted Turnip and Apple Salad

This salad is a delicious combination of sweet and savory, using the sweetness of apples and honey to balance out the earthiness of turnips. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 large turnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium-sized apples, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Handful of baby spinach leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the chopped turnips and apples to the bowl and toss well, ensuring each piece is coated with the honey mixture.
4. Arrange the turnips and apples in a single layer on the baking sheet and pour any remaining mixture over the top.
5. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the turnips and apples are golden brown and tender.
6. Let the roasted turnips and apples cool for a few minutes before mixing them with a handful of baby spinach leaves.
7. Serve the salad as a side dish or as a light lunch.

5. Mashed Turnips with Brown Butter and Sage

Mashed turnips are a delicious and healthier alternative to mashed potatoes. This recipe adds the nutty flavor of brown butter and the earthiness of sage to create a dish that is full of flavor, yet still simple and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized turnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the chopped turnips in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, usually 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the turnips and return them to the pot.
3. Add the butter and sage to the pot and use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the turnips until they are smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper and stir well.
5. Serve hot as a side dish for any meal.

Turnips are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be incorporated into many different meals, from stir-fries to soups to salads. These recipes are easy to cook and can please even the pickiest of eaters with their unique flavors.