Turnips are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that often get overlooked in the kitchen. However, with their subtly sweet and slightly peppery flavor, turnips can be a delightful addition to your meals. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook turnips in 4 different ways.
1. How To Cook Turnips in Oven ( Roasted Recipe )
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized turnips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel the turnips and cut them into bite-sized cubes or wedges.
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a seasoned oil mixture.
Add the turnip pieces to the bowl and toss them in the seasoned oil mixture until they are evenly coated.
Spread the coated turnips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the turnips for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown on the edges. Stir or flip the turnips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Once roasted, remove the turnips from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the roasted turnips hot as a side dish.
Roasted turnips make a delightful accompaniment to a variety of main courses. They can also be enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to salads. Enjoy the caramelized flavor and tender texture of these roasted turnips!
2. How to Cook Turnips in Air Fryer
Ingredients
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2 whole turnips
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½ teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper
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Pinch of black pepper powder
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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Salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking and crispier results.
Prepare the Turnips
Peel the turnips and cut them into 1-inch cubes. The smaller the pieces, the crispier they’ll get in the air fryer.
Season the Turnips
In a mixing bowl, combine the turnip cubes with olive oil, red chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Toss well until the turnips are evenly coated with the seasoning. The oil helps them crisp up while the spices add a gentle kick.
Air Fry the Turnips
Place the seasoned turnips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Check for Doneness:
The turnips are ready when they’re golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. If you prefer them extra crispy, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the crispy turnips to a serving bowl and enjoy them immediately. They’re delicious on their own as a snack or as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or salads.
3. How to Cook Turnips in Instant Pot
Ingredients
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4 medium turnips
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1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 teaspoons butter (optional, for richness)
Kitchen Gadgets:
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Instant Pot
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Steamer basket
Instructions
Prepare the Turnips:
Start by washing the turnips thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture (the skin can sometimes be slightly bitter) and cut them into evenly sized cubes or quarters so they cook uniformly.
Set Up the Instant Pot:
Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket inside the pot and arrange the turnip pieces evenly in the basket.
Season Lightly:
Sprinkle the turnips with salt, pepper, and dried herbs of your choice. The herbs add a lovely aroma and flavor while the steam infuses them into the turnips.
Pressure Cook:
Close the lid and set the valve to the Sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on High Pressure for 3–4 minutes. If your turnip cubes are larger, add an extra minute.
Quick Release:
Once the cooking time is done, perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to Venting. Carefully open the lid once the steam has fully released.
Add Butter and Herbs (Optional):
If you like your turnips rich and flavorful, toss them with 2 teaspoons of butter and a sprinkle of extra herbs. The butter gives them a silky texture and enhances their natural sweetness.
Serve Warm:
Serve your perfectly steamed turnips as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled fish, or other vegetables. You can also mash them for a smooth, creamy alternative to mashed potatoes.
4. How To Cook Turnips on Stove
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized turnips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the turnips and cut them into small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Next, add the turnip cubes to the skillet and sauté them in the melted butter for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the turnips cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
If desired, drizzle the honey over the cooked turnips and stir to coat them evenly. The honey adds a touch of sweetness and complements the natural flavors of the turnips.
Season the turnips with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the buttery turnips to a serving dish. You can garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the buttery stovetop turnips warm as a side dish.
The buttery and tender turnips will add a delightful flavor to your meal. They pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted meats or poultry. Enjoy the comforting taste of these stovetop turnips!
Learning how to cook turnips is a great way to add variety and nutrition to your meals. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform this simple root vegetable into a flavorful side dish or snack that everyone will love.
So the next time you spot turnips at your local market, don’t pass them by — grab a bunch and try one of these easy methods. You might just discover your new favorite vegetable!
