At first glance, turnips don’t seem to be that special. But don’t be fooled; this seemingly simple vegetable is teeming with all sorts of culinary possibilities for those in the know. From delectable soups to oven-roasted delights, the only limit is your creativity.
Not only can turnip recipes be absolutely delicious, but they also come with the added benefit of helping lower blood pressure and control your weight. This list offers scrumptious dishes that will make you rethink your perspective on turnips.
#1. Spice Turnips (Shalgam Masala)
Hailing from India, shalgam masala is made of mashed turnips seasoned and garnished with herbs like cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger. Chilies also add a spicy hit to this fine dish, so feel free to add as many or as few as you please. This dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan.
#2. Simple Roasted Turnips
This may be one of the simpler recipes on the list, but don’t confuse simple for bland. Roasted turnips are easy to prepare; all that’s needed is an oven and a potato peeler or paring knife to prep. This recipe is perfect as a side dish or if you’re just craving a simple meal.
#3. Braised Turnip Rice Bowl
This Chinese-inspired dish is an excellent choice if you want a sweet and sour rice dish. You’ll need to cook the ingredients in a wok at medium heat. Cooked with ground pork and shiitake mushrooms, the turnips are wonderfully flavored with Sichuan peppercorns and star anise.
#4. Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips
If you’re in the mood for a cheesy snack, this simple, delicious recipe will hit the spot. You’ll need are a potato masher, brush, and some paper towels. Made only with turnips, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan, these crispy delights will be a hit with the family. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, try adding chopped bacon on top.
#5. Turnip Juice (Şalgam Suyu)
Quench your thirst with this tasty beverage from Turkey — Şalgam Suyu. Pronounced “Shal-Gam Su-You,” you can enjoy this non-alcoholic fermented drink with a nice kebap. Although it takes about three weeks to prepare, the results are more than worth it.
#6. Middle-Eastern Pickled Turnips
Featuring a stunning pop of pink color, thanks to the beets, this Turkish recipe is ready in just 15 minutes. Make sure you use kosher salt, not table salt, to avoid a displeasing aftertaste. These pickled turnips taste best served cold, so try to refrigerate them before eating. Pair this recipe with a delicious falafel or gyro.
#7. Creamy Turnip Soup
When you need something to warm both your body and soul on chilly days, look no further than creamy turnip soup. You can add shredded chicken or cubed ham for a meatier soup. And if you like a chunky texture, you can also add some macaroni to the dish.
#8. Shredded Turnip, Apple, and Carrot Salad
What makes this recipe really stand out from the others on this list is the distinct, sweet crunchiness of the Granny Smith apples. Each bite is so juicy that you’ll keep wanting more. For a milder flavor, replace the onion with chopped chives. It’s a great alternative to your regular coleslaw.
#9. Raw Turnip Salad
Sometimes, we all want to forgo the hassle of meticulous food prep and opt for something simple. This refreshing turnip salad might just be what you’re looking for. It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare and packed full of nutrients from the variety of veggies you can add. For extra flavor, try it with a vinaigrette or salad dressing.
#10. Beef and Turnip Stew
When you’re in the mood for something filling and rich, this beef and turnip stew is sure to satisfy your craving. Potatoes, beef, carrot, and mushrooms along with chopped turnips come together to create a peppery, hearty stew. This recipe is also sure to be a hit at gatherings, thanks to its generous serving portions.
#11. Chinese Turnip Cake
This seemingly unorthodox recipe is actually quite common in Chinese dim sum cooking, with turnip cakes being wildly popular during Chinese holidays celebrating growth and prosperity. It’s made with Chinese sausage, shrimp, and turnips, and an assortment of seasonings. You can also pan-fry each side to get a really crispy crust!
#12. Savory Chinese Turnip Pancake
Another dim sum favorite, it’s similar in flavor to Chinese turnip cakes and significantly easier to make. You’ll enjoy a rich meaty flavor with these pancakes if you choose to make them with scallions, dried shrimp, or sausage. These crispy, golden-brown treats will have you eating them by the mouthful, especially when served with a homemade dipping sauce.
#13. Creamy Homestyle Turnips
An easy recipe, this creamy homestyle turnips dish delivers a lovely rich texture. Inexpensive and quick to prepare, this is great for times when you’re in a rush. Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or chopped celery for extra nutritional goodness.
#14. Turnip Veggie Burger
For those on a vegetarian diet, this turnip veggie burger is a great option. A burger patty made of turnips is both crunchy and delicious, thanks to the breadcrumbs and seeds mix. If you’d like some sweetness, try adding carrots or zucchini. Sweet potatoes fries with hummus also make a fantastic side for this healthy meal.
#15. Sriracha-Glazed Turnips
This fiery little snack is sure to hit your spice craving. The sriracha brings a welcome warm taste to the mild and humble turnip. Bacon is optional for this dish, but it’s highly recommended as it will go exceptionally well with the crumbled blue cheese.
#16. Turnip Enchiladas
This vegetarian enchilada is both tasty and filling. Top it off with a generous helping of cheese and some salsa verde to enjoy this variation of a classic Mexican favorite. It is also a great recipe to use some leftover meat and vegetables that happen to be sitting in your fridge.
#17. Shaved Turnip Salad
Here’s another simple salad that’s bursting with flavor. The vinaigrette brings a nice zest to the salad as it glazes the round turnip slices sitting atop a fresh bed of arugula. Adding some Parmesan brings a nice savory flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the salad as well.
#18. Gourmet Turnip Cake
Crave some dessert? Try your hand at this gourmet turnip cake. This recipe is relatively simple to make, especially if you’re already experienced with baking. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves elevate the humble turnip in this recipe. Topped with a buttered glaze with grated walnuts, this is a surprisingly decadent cake.
#19. Caramelized Turnips
This simple and easy sweet side dish pairs extremely well with roast duck, so make sure you try out this meal some time. It’s low in calories but high in flavor, making it a versatile and healthy side dish. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter and sugar are gently melted into a brown glaze surrounding your turnips.
#20. Fried Eggs With Preserved Turnip
If you’re running out of ideas for breakfast, this omelet is one to add to the menu. Not only are eggs with turnips filling, but they are also surprisingly low in calories. It’s a fantastic breakfast to have any time of the year but works especially well for those dreary winter seasons.
#21. Bacon Turnip Mash
One of the more decadent dishes on this list, bacon turnip mash makes for a delicious breakfast. Turnips act as a healthier alternative in lieu of white potatoes, making this dish lower on the glycemic index and calorie count. With the savory bacon complementing the mashed turnips, your taste buds are sure to enjoy this little number.
#22. Hot Dogs With Kale and Turnip Remoulade
Did you know turnips can be used as a great topping on your hot dogs? You’ll definitely become a fan of this new way of eating frankfurters, especially when you include green onion and dijon mustard. Add pickles and remoulades and you’ve got a uniquely flavored hotdog with an irresistible taste.
#23. Turnip Stir Fry With White Beans
The classic stir fry is a favorite staple of many people around the world. With white beans and honey sauce balancing out the ginger, you’re guaranteed to love this dish so much it’ll likely become one of your new dinner-time favorites. Pair it with a hot bowl of rice for a filling meal.
#24. Roasted Salt-&-Vinegar Turnips
These roasted salt and vinegar turnips are a healthy snack for when that savory craving hits you. This root vegetable recipe is incredibly easy to follow. For better results and maximum flavor, simmer your turnips with vinegar before roasting them. Before serving, sprinkle on some freshly chopped chives.
#25. Turnip and Potato Soup
This creamy, savory soup is an incredible way to get the healthy benefits of turnips while enjoying a meal packed with flavor. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can always thin it out by adding cream or broth.
#26. Buttered Turnip Puree
Take your meals up several notches with this rich, buttered turnip puree. When preparing this dish, try your best to heat it delicately before gently transferring it to your pan to avoid a lumpy texture. Season with thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper for a flavorful side.
#27. Spiced Turnip Fries Recipe
French fries are a popular favorite, but did you know that you can make fries using turnips? Unlike their starchier counterparts made with potatoes, turnips offer more nutrients with fewer empty calories while maintaining great taste. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch with a bit of heat thrown in, thanks to the paprika and onion powder.
