Fall Into Turnips — Fall Fest

herbed leg of lamb with roasted turnips

Easter_Dinner_Lamb_57.tif

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Jonny Valiant ©2010

Jonny Valiant , 2010

fall fest

Though potatoes prove a year-round hit, their starchy cousin gets special attention once fall draws near and the sweaters are pulled on. As a member of the root veggie clan, turnips are a comforting alternative when whipped with butter, roasted in the oven or glazed stovetop.

If you’re a meat-and-potatoes kind of person, it’s about time you give meat and turnips a chance, too. Consider it the perfect side for a casual weeknight meal or a traditional Sunday dinner. No matter how you prepare this root vegetable, it’s sure to comfort you to your core.

As far as a meaty meal goes, any hearty cut will do alongside a heap of turnips. Try Food Network Magazine’s Slow-Cooker Ham With Turnips or Herbed Leg of Lamb With Roasted Turnips (pictured above) for a star-crossed combination. Whip up Bobby Flay’s Turkey Pot Pie With Sage Crust or Food Network Magazine’s Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie for one-pot wonders brimming with turnip goodness. In that same way, Michael Symon’s Chicken-and-Dumpling Soup recipe for Food Network Magazine ladles bits of turnip, rutabaga, fennel, celery, carrot and, of course, chicken and dumplings into each rejuvenating spoonful.

Need more side inspiration? Sunny Anderson’s Braised Red Cabbage and Turnips breathes some color into your meal, while Tyler Florence’s Buttered Turnip Puree makes for a silky turnip rendition. While you’re at it, combine potatoes and turnips for a side of the Neelys’ Mashed Turnips and Sage. And with its toasted top and luxurious interior, this stunning Turnip Gratin With Almonds by Food Network Magazine can create a statement at any fall dinner party.

Turnips also go beautifully with other fresh veggies. Food Network Magazine’s Glazed Carrots and Turnips, as well as its Glazed Sugar Snap Peas and Turnips and Roasted Turnips and Mushrooms, all serve as solid proof.

Ah, and be sure to use every last bit of those in-season turnips. Kick up the stove for some Stewed Turnip Greens.

Talk to us: What’s your favorite way to eat turnips? Tell us in the comments or join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag: # fallfest.

More turnip recipes from family and friends:
Jeanette's Healthy Living: Chinese Turnip Cake

Thursday Night Dinner: Honey Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables

Made By Michelle: Roasted Turnips and Carrots
HGTV Gardens: Garden-to-Table: Turnips

Next Up

Eat Your Spinach Sides — Fall Fest

This season, grab baby or big-leaf spinach by the handful, for more reason than the ample health benefits. Whether you disguise spinach or make it the star of your dish, this recipe roundup will give you — and, hey, maybe even the kids — reason to love it.

6 Healthy Treats to Make After Apple Picking — Fall Fest

Whether you prefer sweet Fujis or tart Granny Smiths, here are five healthy ways to use up your freshly picked apples this fall.

Our Favorite Sangrias for Fall

Extend your summer love affair well into the next season.

14 Healthier Fall Baking Recipes

I find it cathartic to get my hands dirty baking, especially when the end result is a deliciously healthy goodie. Here’s an array of seasonal baking recipes for your guilt-free eating pleasure.

How Sweet It Is: 7 Sweet Potato Dishes for Every Palate — Fall Fest

You'll forget starchy white potatoes in a heartbeat once you try these comforting fall sweet potato dishes.

8 Comforting Polenta Recipes for Fall

Kick off sweater weather with this simple and versatile dish.

Fall Desserts That Aren't Pumpkin or Apple

Because variety is the spice of life.

Fall Cocktails You’ll Want to Sip Outside

These pair best with a fire pit and friends!

Don't Miss the ThermoWorks Fall Warehouse Sale

Shop Food Network Kitchen's favorite meat thermometers at up to 60% off.

What's New