How to Cook Purple Top Turnips
Purple top turnips are versatile root vegetables that can be cooked in various ways to bring out their unique flavor and texture. Whether you prefer them roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, purple top turnips can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. Here’s a simple guide on how to cook purple top turnips:
How Do You Prepare Purple Top Turnips?
Before cooking purple top turnips, it’s important to properly prepare them. Start by washing the turnips thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a sharp knife to trim off the stems and roots. You can also peel the skin off the turnips if desired, although it is not necessary.
Once the turnips are cleaned and trimmed, you can cut them into your desired shape and size. For roasting or boiling, it is common to cut them into cubes or wedges. If you plan to mash the turnips, cutting them into smaller pieces will help them cook faster and more evenly.
What is the Best Way to Cook and Eat Turnips?
There are several delicious ways to cook and eat turnips. Here are a few popular methods:
1. Roasting: Toss the prepared turnip cubes or wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Roasted turnips have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
2. Mashing: Boil the prepared turnip pieces in salted water until they are soft enough to mash easily. Drain well and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add butter, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the turnips until smooth and creamy. Mashed turnips make a great alternative to mashed potatoes.
3. Soups and Stews: Purple top turnips can be a nutritious addition to soups and stews. Simply peel and chop the turnips into small cubes, then add them to your favorite soup or stew recipe. They will add a subtle earthy flavor and a pleasant texture to the dish.
4. Stir-Frying: Cut the turnips into thin slices or matchsticks. Heat some oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add the turnips and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are lightly browned and crisp-tender. You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, and season with soy sauce or other Asian-inspired flavors.
Remember to taste the turnips as you cook them and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Purple top turnips are best when they are cooked until tender but still have a slight bite to them. Enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and flavors to find your favorite way to cook and eat turnips.
Do you have to peel purple top turnips?
Peeling purple top turnips is a personal preference. The skin of purple top turnips is edible and contains valuable nutrients. However, some people prefer to peel them to remove any dirt or wax that may be present on the skin. If you choose to eat the skin, it is important to thoroughly wash the turnips before cooking to ensure they are clean.
What to do with purple top turnips?
Purple top turnips can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be roasted, sautéed, boiled, or added to soups and stews. Here are a few ideas for incorporating purple top turnips into your meals:
- Roast them with other root vegetables for a flavorful side dish.
- Sauté them with garlic and olive oil for a simple and delicious side dish.
- Add them to soups and stews for added texture and flavor.
- Grate or shred them and use them in salads or slaws.
- Make a purée by boiling them until tender and then blending them with butter and seasonings.
Do you wash turnips before cooking?
It is recommended to wash turnips before cooking them. This helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the skin. To wash turnips, fill a bowl or sink with cold water and gently rub the turnips to remove any dirt. You can also use a vegetable brush to scrub the turnips if necessary. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Do you peel turnips before boiling?
Peeling turnips before boiling is a personal preference. The skin of turnips is edible and contains valuable nutrients. However, some people prefer to peel them to remove any dirt or wax that may be present on the skin. If you choose to eat the skin, it is important to thoroughly wash the turnips before boiling to ensure they are clean. If you decide to peel them, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove the skin before boiling.
How do you cook turnips and what do they taste like?
Turnips can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, and sautéing. To cook turnips, start by peeling and cutting them into desired shapes, such as cubes or slices. Boiling is a common method of cooking turnips. Simply place the cut-up turnips in a pot of boiling water and cook until they are tender, which usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Steaming is another healthy cooking method that helps retain the nutrients and flavors of turnips. Roasting turnips in the oven with olive oil and seasoning can bring out their natural sweetness and create a delicious side dish. Sautéing turnips with other vegetables or adding them to stir-fries is also a popular way to cook them.
In terms of taste, turnips have a slightly bitter and peppery flavor when raw. However, when cooked, their flavor becomes milder and sweeter. Some people describe the taste of cooked turnips as similar to potatoes, while others find them to have a unique earthy flavor. Overall, turnips are versatile vegetables that can be cooked in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences.
What do purple top turnips taste like?
Purple top turnips, as the name suggests, have a purple top and a white bottom. In terms of taste, they are similar to other turnips. When raw, purple top turnips have a slightly bitter and peppery flavor. However, when cooked, their taste becomes milder and sweeter. Some people describe the flavor of purple top turnips as earthy and slightly sweet, with a hint of spiciness. The texture of cooked purple top turnips is tender and can be compared to that of potatoes. These turnips are often used in various recipes, such as soups, stews, and side dishes, and can add a unique flavor and texture to the dishes they are used in.
How long does it take to boil cut-up turnips?
Boiling cut-up turnips usually takes around 15-20 minutes. To boil turnips, start by peeling and cutting them into desired shapes, such as cubes or slices. Place the cut-up turnips in a pot of boiling water and cook until they are tender. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turnip pieces. It is recommended to check the tenderness of the turnips by piercing them with a fork or knife. Once the turnips are easily pierced, they are cooked and ready to be drained and used in your desired recipe. Boiling is a quick and easy method to cook turnips and can be used as a base for various dishes or as a standalone side dish.
Are purple top turnips the same as rutabaga?
No, purple top turnips are not the same as rutabaga, although they are related. Both purple top turnips and rutabagas belong to the Brassica family of vegetables, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale. However, they have distinct characteristics and flavors. Purple top turnips have a purple top and a white bottom, while rutabagas have a yellow or tan skin and a yellow flesh. In terms of taste, purple top turnips have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to rutabagas, which have a stronger and slightly bitter taste. Additionally, rutabagas are typically larger in size and have a denser texture compared to turnips. While both vegetables can be used in similar recipes, such as soups, stews, and roasted dishes, they have their own unique flavors and textures.
Summary
Turnips can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, roasting, and sautéing. They have a slightly bitter and peppery taste when raw, but become milder and sweeter when cooked. Purple top turnips, specifically, have a unique earthy flavor with a hint of spiciness. Boiling cut-up turnips usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Purple top turnips are not the same as rutabagas, as they have different appearances, flavors, and textures. Overall, turnips are versatile vegetables that can add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes.
