When we left MD almost four weeks ago, we dug turnips out of the garden. They had grown over the winter and actually looked pretty good. John loves turnips (I do not), but since we're in a no-waste scenario and there was extra effort involved in growing these, I decided it was not right to try and waste turnips (no matter how much I wanted to).
I peeled and cut up about 20 turnips and put them in a pot along with a few potatoes I also didn't want to waste, then boiled them for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, I assembled the other necessary items - cheese, butter, casserole dish, and masher, but something was still missing.
There, that's better. I dug in the freezer and found a long-forgotten package of bacon. Almost everything (even turnips) is better with bacon.
And they weren't too bad. I'll admit this looks a bit gloppy, but coronavirus cooking doesn't always have to look good; it just needs to taste good. Now all I have to do is figure out what to do with the other 60 turnips I've got. Please feel free to leave your best turnip recipe in the comments. :-) (I am laughing at the notion that very many people have any turnip recipes, let alone good ones. Surprise me!)
I think as long as you have butter and bacon you have a great recipe! I have to admit I have never eaten a turnip but I would definitely eat that.
ReplyDeleteIt really wasn't too bad (the cheese and bacon helped), and I'm looking forward to roasting some turnips as several people suggested. Waste not, want not, and make it tasty if you can!
DeleteI am not a turnip fan, so I have no recipes to share, but adding fat (butter and bacon) always seems to improve just about anything! Can turnips be roasted?
ReplyDeleteI love turnip and enjoy it just mashed with butter, salt and pepper. My family loves it mashed with carrots and when I make it that way I add a smidge of nutmeg. You can mail me all of your turnips!!
ReplyDeleteYou need to share your turnips with me too! I hated them as a kid, but now I like them. They are good roasted (and I think they get a little sweeter that way). I cut up turnips, potatoes, carrots, onions - throw in some EVOO and whatever seasoning you want (Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel is a good one) and roast at a high temp. Delicious!! They are also good added to soups. Parsnips are like that too!!
ReplyDeleteIn Wardsboro, VT they actually have a Gilfeather Festival (that's a type of turnip) and they have published one of those small community recipe books with nothing but Gilfeather recipes!!
Oh . . . no turnip recipes here, I'm afraid. I use them IN things sometimes, but only one at a time. And they are certainly not the "main event." I think Vera's idea is a good one -- because EVERYthing tastes better roasted (with salt, of course). XO
ReplyDeleteI would not have a clue what to do with a turnip! But I am with you regarding 'waste not, want not'. I am on board with 'everything taste better with Bacon'.
ReplyDeleteI used to like going to the grocery store but not any more. It's stressful! I'm going to my secondary grocery store first this week because I am less stressed at that one. I hope I can get all that I need while there. I love turnips!!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks excellent (and is how my nana made rutabaga!) Who knew that grocery shopping would become something you looked even less forward too!
ReplyDeleteI have never met a root vegetable I didn't like, but I second everyone's suggestion that you roast them, maybe with another root vegetable that you do like. If that doesn't appeal to you, maybe roast them in bacon grease, if you saved it. I, too, am trying to use up everything I have in my pantry. I envision eating quite a few things that are not my favorites in the next few weeks. I already hated to grocery shop, so this situation has made me truly hate and avoid it. Happy Monday, Bonny!
ReplyDeleteEVERYTHING is better when roasted!! I've also used them in salads -- very thinly shaved. You're not going to use up a bunch that way, but every little bit helps? Bon appetit!
ReplyDeleteI like turnips in stew or mashed with butter. I really enjoy them oven roasted along with some carrots, olive oil, salt, & pepper...add butter before serving because they always taste great with butter. In the spring I can often find very small turnips with the greens still attached at the Farmer's Market, these are great sauteed in butter, along with the greens, and a splash of white wine vinegar...bacon would be a great addition!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as we finish the bacon, cheese, and turnip casserole, I am roasting some turnips. I'm actually looking forward to trying them that way like you and several others suggested. I've got some TJ's 21 Seasoning Salute and I bet a big helping of roasted turnips, potatoes, and carrots will go really well with my vodka and tonic. :-) Thanks for your suggestions!
DeleteI ate them raw as a kid and mom cooked them, but as an adult I haven't even thought about turnips. Smith is not a fan no matter what you do to them. My guess is even bacon wouldn't help.
ReplyDeleteI love turnip! But have only had it boiled and mashed. I'm sure roasted with any TJ's seasoning will be delicious!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever seen a more divided comment thread. me, I'll eat anything except organ meat. Vegetables of ANY sort are gonna be a favorite. Honestly, I like them roasted with salt, pepper and a lot of garlic and olive oil. But bacon and cheese would probably be fine too ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. I don't have a turnip recipe to my name. I never met a roasted vegetable I didn't like to I'll bet roasted turnips will be tasty. What is it about the bacon flavor? Your casserole looks delicious.
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