Turnips are root vegetables that are similar in texture to a white potato so they are a great substitution in most recipes calling for a starchy white potato. A white-fleshed turnip has a white skin with a purple-tinged top. A rutabaga, which is sometimes called a yellow-turnip is actually a relative of the turnip with similar taste and texture to the white fleshed ones. Small, young turnips have a delicate, slightly sweet taste. Fresh turnips are available year-round, with the peak season from October through March.
This recipe is an oldie but goodie…it’s a great accompaniment to any roasted or grilled meat, especially burgers or Italian sausage (pictured above). I love the spiciness of chili powder but you could use any spice you like or even just salt and pepper.
Spicy Turnip Fries (serves 2)
2 turnips (about 1 pound), peeled
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Slice the peeled turnips into strips (like french fries).
- Toss sliced turnips with coconut oil, chili powder and salt.
- Place turnips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, turning once halfway through baking, until evenly browned.
- Serve hot from the oven.
This recipe is a fresh and healthy alternative to store-bought pickle relish which is usually loaded with sugar and preservatives. You can adapt it to be a dill pickle relish or add a touch of stevia for a sweet pickle relish…both are super tasty!
Fresh Pickle Relish (serves 2, generously)
1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red, green or yellow or combination)
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickle (I use Bubbies)
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
10 drops liquid stevia (optional for a sweet pickle relish)
In a small bowl, combine chopped pepper, tomato, onion, pickle, vinegar and salt and mix well. Set aside for at least 20 minutes to let flavors combine. Enjoy on grilled brats and burgers!
This recipe is shared at:
Wellness Weekend , Fight Back Friday, Fat Tuesday, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday
Yum! BTW: Do you have the recipe for what’s on your sausage?
Yes! It’s a relish that I love to use on grilled italian sausage or brats, it’s a great replacement for jar relish that has so many additives. I’ll add it to the Spicy Turnip post today!
I had a bit of a debacle trying to tell the difference between a turnip and a “waxed turnip” which is actually a rutabaga. Now that I have it all straightened out (I had a rutabaga) I look forward to trying this recipe with an actual turnip.
I think it would be great with rutabagas as well!
Thanks for linking your great post to FAT TUESDAY. This was very interesting! Hope to see you next week!
Be sure to visit RealFoodForager.com on Sunday for Sunday Snippets – your post from Fat Tuesday may be featured there!
http://realfoodforager.com/fat-tuesday-january-17-2012/
Share your great fermented food recipes at my Probiotic Food Linky – open through Februray 6, 2012.
http://realfoodforager.com/probiotic-food-challenge-linky/