Getting to Know Turnips & Their Nutrition
My opinion of turnips has taken a 180-degree turn for the better. Don’t know why – but I just never had the urge to taste or cook with this creamy white vegetable until recently. I’m on a roll now, though, with turnips at my meal table about once a week thanks to the most sweet and small turnips grown by a farmer friend in North Carolina. Nutritionally, turnips stack up very well. They are low in calories at only about 30 cal per 1 cup cooked, moderate in carbs with 8 grams in 1 cup of cubes, and a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
Cooking with Turnips
Small, tender turnips may be eaten raw with a spinkle of salt or added to salad, after washing them in the kitchen sink with cool water. Since they grow under the ground as do all root vegetables so a good wash is essential. Larger turnips need to be washed then peeled because their skin is a bit tough. Otherwise, use then as you do the small ones.
Here are 3 recipes I recommend you try as you get to know turnips better:
Beef Stew (Beef Bourgignone) with Turnips is a winter stew of beautiful French flavors and it makes a perfect entree when you invite friends over. Serve it with boiled potatoes, as my French Papa did for me when I visited him in Dijon, France in 2015.
Turnips in Coconut and Mustard Seed Curry is an Indian flavored entree made with plenty of turnips, an exotic mix of spices and unsweetened coconut milk. Serve it with rice or flat bread.
Mashed Turnips and Sage is a comfort food side dish made with turnips, potato, milk, butter and fresh sage. You can substitute garlic powder, salt and pepper for the sage if you prefer a different flavor.
Embracing Turnips
Now that you know turnips are versatile, low in calories, and sweet and tender, will you please add them to your grocery shopping list? Or, better yet, add them to your local farm market list and enjoy trying some new and nutritious recipes with turnips. Good nutrition begins with one step in the forward direction and turnips can be your step. Be sure to sign up for my free report, 3 Tasty Menus, and like my facebook page for ongoing nutrition tips.
Which turnip recipe will you make this week?