Rutabaga, also known as a swede or a northern turnip, is a cool-weather root vegetable native to Central Asia and Europe. With its mildly sweet flavor and creamy texture, rutabaga can be prepared in many different ways. Here are some of the most common cooking methods for rutabaga.

1. How To Cook Rutabaga on Stove

Ingredients

  • 1 medium rutabaga
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Instructions

First, peel the rutabaga and chop it into 1-inch cubes.

Next, add the cubes and salt to a pot of vegetable or chicken broth then bring to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rutabaga is tender when pierced with a fork.

For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves to the cooking liquid.

You can also steam rutabaga cubes in a steamer basket set over a pot of simmering water for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, the rutabaga can be tossed with butter, salt, and pepper and served plain as a side dish or added to soups, stews, and casseroles.

2. How To Cook Rutabaga in Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 medium rutabaga
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Peel and cut the rutabaga into 1-inch wedges or cubes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.

Roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned on the edges.

For extra crispiness, you can roast rutabaga wedges at a higher temperature of 425 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

Roasted rutabaga pairs well with meat roasts or makes a healthy side dish on its own. Keep an eye on it as roasting times may vary depending on the size of the pieces.

3. How To Cook Rutabaga in Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 medium rutabaga
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

The air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook rutabaga.

Cut the rutabaga into 1-inch pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika

Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 400 degrees F, shaking the basket occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

You can coat the rutabaga pieces in cornstarch before cooking in air fryer, this will help them get extra crispy.

Air fried rutabaga has a texture similar to roasted or fried potatoes but with less oil. Enjoy it as a healthier replacement for potato wedges or fries.

4. How To Cook Rutabaga in Microwave

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 1-inch rutabaga cubes
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

Cut the rutabaga into 1-inch cubes.

Next, place them in a microwave-safe dish and add 2-3 tablespoons of water.

Cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a plate and microwave on high in 2-3 minute intervals, stirring in between, until tender, about 8-10 minutes total.

Finally, season the cooked rutabaga with butter, salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning blend.

Microwaved rutabaga brings out its natural sweetness quickly without much effort.

In summary, whether boiled, roasted, air fried or microwaved, rutabaga is a hearty, healthy vegetable worth including in your winter cooking repertoire. Its mild taste pairs well with many cuisines and cooking methods. So don’t be afraid to experiment – rutabaga is a very adaptable root veggie.

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Julia Jane is a home cook inspired by her mother's cooking. With the desire to share my cooking experiences with everyone, she created this website

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