How to Cook Turnips & Parsnips
Both root vegetables, turnips and parsnips have pale, white flesh and can be eaten raw or cooked. A turnip has round, bulb-like shape with a white and purple skin. Parsnips resemble a thick carrot in shape and have a nubby, cream and brown skin. Peeling the skin off exposes the firm and clean flesh of a parsnip, while a turnip needs no peeling. Low in calories with a long shelf-life, turnips and parsnips contribute fiber to a healthy diet. Cook up a batch of each and serve as a nutritious snack or a tasty side dish.
Things You'll Need
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups
- Large sauce pan with lid
- Colander
- 1/4 sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- Measuring spoons
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- Parmesan (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Garlic (optional
Steamed Parsnips
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Wash 1 lb. of parsnips in cold water. Place the parsnips on a cutting board.
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Trim off the base of the root and the tip with a sharp knife. Peel off the outer layer of skin with vegetable peeler.
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Slice the parsnips into chunks about 1/4 inch wide. Place in a large sauce pan and add about 1/2 inch of water.
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Cover and steam the parsnips on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the water level occasionally and add more if it seems too dry. The parsnips should be tender and somewhat soft.
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Strain the parsnips in a colander. Put the cooked roots into a food processor. Add 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of cream or milk and 1 tsp. of ground nutmeg.
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Process the vegetables on high until it forms a smooth puree. Add salt and ground pepper to taste.
Sauteed Turnips
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Wash 1 lb. of turnip bulbs.
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Place the turnips on a cutting board and trim off the tops and tips of each bulb with a sharp knife.
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Cut each turnip in half. Make vertical and horizontal cuts to dice the turnip halves into small cubes.
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Pour 1 tbsp. of olive oil into a large sauce pan. Add the turnips with 1/4 cup of water. Cover the sauce pan with a lid.
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Cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until you can pierce the turnips with a fork.
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