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.

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Give humble root vegetables a chance with this easy roast turnip recipe from Food Network Magazine. The root itself is high in vitamin C, but don’t forget the leafy turnip greens. Similar in flavor to mustard greens, choose smaller leaves for a less bitter taste.

For the root: Peel and cut into wedges. Toss with olive oil or melted butter, and salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast at 425 degrees F, 35 to 45 minutes. Try this: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon each maple syrup and lemon juice, and a pinch each of cumin and red pepper flakes. Toss with the roasted turnips.

For the greens: Wash and dry 10 cups of turnip greens. Put in a saucepan with 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup water and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook over medium-low heat until tender, about 40 minutes. Season with pepper.

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