5 Turnip Recipes 2024: Cook Delicious Root Veggies

Turnips may not always get the spotlight, but they’re a versatile vegetable worth discovering. With a mild, earthy taste and a slight peppery kick, turnips can add depth and interest to any meal. Whether roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, these root vegetables shine in a variety of dishes.

Rich in nutrients and easy to prepare, turnips are perfect for anyone looking to introduce something new into their cooking routine. Explore these turnip recipes and see how this humble vegetable can elevate your meals with its unique flavor and texture!

1. Roasted Turnip Mash With Herbed Brown Butter & Garlic

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

2. Spread turnips on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Wrap the garlic head in foil with 1 tbsp olive oil and place on the baking sheet.

4. Roast turnips and garlic for 25–30 minutes, until turnips are tender.

5. Transfer roasted turnips to a large pot, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins, and add them to the pot.

6. Add the butter to a small pan, melting over low heat with rosemary until the butter is golden brown.

7. Pour the herbed brown butter into the pot with the turnips.

8. Add Parmesan cheese, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired.

9. Mash the mixture until smooth, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve warm as a side dish.

Overview 🔍

This Roasted Turnip Mash transforms turnips into a creamy, comforting side dish with a rich, nutty flavor. The roasted garlic adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the slightly peppery taste of the turnips, creating a beautifully layered flavor profile that’s both comforting and gourmet. You can consider this one of the easiest recipes to prepare.

The herbed brown butter, infused with rosemary and nutmeg, elevates the dish with a warm, aromatic richness. Combined with Parmesan and a splash of milk, this turnip mash delivers a creamy texture and luxurious taste that pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or hearty vegetable dishes. It's a deliciously unique twist on classic mashed potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.

2. Crispy Roasted Turnips With Thyme & Balsamic Glaze

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).

2. Wash and cut turnips into bite-size cubes, then transfer to a large bowl.

3. Toss the turnips with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.

4. Spread turnips in a single layer on a baking sheet.

5. Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.

6. Drizzle honey over the turnips in the last 5 minutes of roasting for added sweetness (optional).

7. Serve warm as a side dish, with extra thyme leaves for garnish if desired.

Overview 🔍

Crispy Roasted Turnips with Thyme and Balsamic Glaze is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings out the best in turnips. The roasting process adds a satisfying crispiness, while the balsamic glaze infuses a touch of tanginess that balances the natural earthiness of the turnips.

Fresh thyme and a hint of garlic powder enhance the savory notes, making these roasted turnips a versatile side for many main courses. The optional honey adds a touch of sweetness, complementing the balsamic and giving the turnips a slightly caramelized finish. This dish is ideal for elevating everyday meals with minimal effort.

3. Crispy Turnip Stir-Fry With Chickpeas & Sesame Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Wash and slice turnips into thin strips or small cubes for quick cooking.

2. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, and chili flakes (if using) to create the sesame sauce. Set aside.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

4. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add turnips and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to brown and become crispy.

6. Add chickpeas to the pan and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, stirring to combine.

7. Pour in the sesame sauce and stir well, coating the turnips and chickpeas evenly.

8. Add spinach and cook briefly until just wilted. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Overview 🔍

Crispy Turnip Stir-Fry with Chickpeas and Sesame Sauce is a quick and nutritious main course that blends the crispness of turnips with the rich flavors of sesame oil and ginger. The chickpeas add a satisfying protein boost, making this dish filling yet light.

The sesame sauce, balanced with a hint of rice vinegar and maple syrup, brings a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, while optional chili flakes provide a mild kick. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this stir-fry offers a creative way to enjoy turnips with a flavorful Asian-inspired twist.

4. Creamy Turnip Soup With Pear

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

2. Wash and chop the turnip, pear, onion, ginger, and garlic.

3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

4. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add chopped turnip and pear, stirring for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.

6. Pour in the veggie stock concentrate and enough water to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until turnips are tender.

7. Use a potato masher to break down the soup, or blend with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

8. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish each bowl with radish slices, chives, pepitas, and a dollop of sour cream.

9. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices on the side.

Overview 🔍

Creamy Turnip Soup with Pear brings together the earthiness of turnips and the natural sweetness of pear for a comforting, flavor-packed soup. The warmth from ginger adds a cozy touch, while fresh toppings like radish slices and pepitas add texture and visual appeal.

The soup’s creamy texture pairs perfectly with a toasted baguette for dipping, making it ideal for a chilly evening meal. With a garnish of sour cream and chives, this dish feels rich yet balanced, perfect as an appetizer or a light main course.

5. Crispy Turnip Cakes

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.

2. Peel and grate the turnips using a box grater. Squeeze out any excess moisture using a kitchen towel or paper towels.

3. Finely chop the shallot, scallions, cucumber, fresno pepper, mint, and parsley.

4. In a large bowl, combine the grated turnips, quinoa, garbanzo bean flour, shallot, scallions, cucumber, fresno pepper, mint, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the turnip mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly to form cakes.

6. Fry the cakes for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. In a small bowl, mix the Kite Hill yogurt with za’atar seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve the crispy turnip cakes with quinoa tabbouleh and za’atar yogurt on the side.

Overview 🔍

Crispy Turnip Cakes are a savory and satisfying dish, with a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. Paired with quinoa tabbouleh, this meal is both refreshing and hearty, offering a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

The addition of za’atar yogurt enhances the cakes with a tangy, herby kick that complements the quinoa and fresh herbs in the tabbouleh. Perfect for a main course or appetizer, this dish is a great option for those looking to enjoy a plant-based, protein-packed meal.

FAQ

What is the best way to cook and eat turnips?

The best way to cook turnips is by roasting, mashing, or stir-frying them. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a crispy texture, like in the Crispy Roasted Turnips with Thyme and Balsamic Glaze recipe. Roasting also enhances their flavor, making them a perfect side dish when seasoned with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme.

Turnips can also be added to soups and stews, where they absorb the surrounding flavors. They are versatile enough to be enjoyed both on their own or as an accompaniment to other vegetables or meats, offering a healthy, flavorful option for any meal.

What can you do with turnips?

Turnips are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. You can roast them, mash them, or slice them thin to make crispy turnip chips. The Roasted Turnip Mash with Herbed Brown Butter and Garlic recipe is a perfect example of a hearty and savory way to enjoy turnips when mashed with garlic, rosemary, and Parmesan.

For a twist, turnips can be pickled or even used in a stir-fry, where they absorb the flavors of sauces and seasonings. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, turnips are a great addition to your meals due to their flexibility and ability to enhance the taste of other ingredients.

What takes the bitterness out of turnips?

To remove the bitterness from turnips, try roasting them with olive oil and seasoning to enhance their natural sweetness. The Crispy Roasted Turnips with Thyme and Balsamic Glaze recipe does this beautifully, as roasting caramelizes the sugars in the turnips and softens their sharp taste, while the balsamic vinegar adds depth and a touch of sweetness to balance out any bitterness.

Another method is to soak turnips in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps draw out some of the bitterness, making them more palatable and allowing for a sweeter, more delicate flavor when cooked.

Are turnips healthier than potatoes?

Turnips are generally considered healthier than potatoes due to their lower calorie and carbohydrate content. The Crispy Turnip Stir-Fry with Chickpeas and Sesame Sauce recipe is a great example of how turnips can be used as a healthy base, paired with chickpeas, sesame oil, and vegetables for a nutrient-dense meal that's lower in calories and carbs than traditional potato-based dishes.

Additionally, turnips have a lower glycemic index than potatoes, meaning they have less of an impact on blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals managing blood sugar or diabetes. Turnips are also rich in antioxidants, which support overall health and well-being.