Turnips Revisited for a Fall Spread

Crispy Turnip Gratin for Food Network's Fall Fest

1_gratin_v2-059.tif

Photo by: Gentl & Hyers

Gentl & Hyers

Put down those potatoes, people. Here at FN Dish, we're spending a little quality time with one of the most under-appreciated veggie around: the turnip. Odds are it's not the star of your fall spread. Heck, maybe you've never even cooked this root vegetable before. Well, now that turnips are in season, they’re smaller, sweeter and bound to woo you.

More closely related to peppery arugula and radishes than beets or even potatoes, turnips come with loads of benefits. Not only do turnips add a quick zip to sides, mains and more, they're also inexpensive, meaning you can load up on them at the store. Turnips are loaded with nutrients, especially if you hang on to the greens. Saute, roast, mash or blanch your turnips. Hey, you can even take 'em raw in a salad.

Turnips are capable of making a statement on the table. Food Network Magazine's Turnip Gratin with Almonds (pictured above) comes out of the oven bubbling and sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs.

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm 
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Easter_Dinner_Lamb_57.tif

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Jonny Valiant ©2010

Jonny Valiant , 2010

Meanwhile, Herbed Leg of Lamb with Roasted Turnips gives turnips a celebratory edge.

TFlorence1.tif

It may resemble standard mashed potatoes, but Tyler Florence's Buttered Turnip Puree is an alternative to the classic, creamy side dish.

The Neelys' recipe for Mashed Turnips and Sage combines russet potatoes and turnips for a comforting side — so much for meat and potatoes.

Topped with sunny-side-up eggs and a dynamite miso butter, Roasted Baby Turnips with Miso Butter and Fried Eggs is best served right out of a cast-iron skillet. Capitalizing on the nose-to-tail phenomenon — well, in the veggie sense — this recipe unites the roots with the greens.

Glazed Carrots and Turnips

Glazed Carrots and Turnips

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Food Network

Tara Donne, Food Network

Turnips are lovely when glazed too. Simply graced with butter and sugar, Glazed Carrots and Turnips are easy enough for a weeknight side or for a busy holiday meal, when you have a full plate of cooking ahead of you.

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

SNAP_PEAS_TURNIPS_006.tif

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

Antonis Achilleos Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin 917 751 2855

Or go for Food Network Magazine's vibrant Glazed Sugar Snap Peas and Turnips.

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm
Prop stylist: Marina Malchin

TURNIPS_MUSHROOMS_19.tif

Food stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop stylist: Marina Malchin,Food stylist: Jamie KimmProp stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

Food Network Magazine's Roasted Turnips and Mushrooms recipe ensures that turnips reach golden, tender perfection, needing only a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning.

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm 
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Easter_Dinner_Greens_12.tif

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Jonny Valiant ©Jonny Valiant 2010

Jonny Valiant , Jonny Valiant 2010

And here's our last turnip move: Food Network Magazine's Stewed Turnip Greens. Cook the peppery greens of the turnip — which have that similarly welcomed bitterness of arugula, kale, mustard greens and more — down with a little garlic, making way for loads of nutrients.

Next Up

Simply Roasted Turnips — Fall Fest

Give humble root vegetables a chance with this easy roast turnip recipe from Food Network Magazine.

What's New