Friday, March 9, 2007

Scalloped turnips An Irish-inspired veggie dish

The Irish people subsisted for thousands of years on root crops and various sources of meat such as lamb. One of the staples of their diet was turnips. Here's one of my family's favorite ways to prepare the roots of the turnip.

1/2 lb. bacon chopped, fried, drained, and fryings reserved.
3 lbs. medium Purple Top White Globe turnips, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick.
2 to 3 medium yellow onions peeled and coarsely chopped.
2 to 3 cloves of garlic diced
1 carton sour cream

Sauté the scalloped turnips for a minute or so in a medium hot iron skillet of the bacon fryings. Season liberally with fresh ground peppercorns. Add the onions, and garlic, and stir frequently to prevent sticking to the skillet. Water or chicken broth may be added as needed. When the turnips and onions begin to brown reduce the heat, cover, and smother the veggies until tender. Add the fried bacon, stir, and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes at a lowered heat. When al dente turn off the heat, add sour cream as desired, and serve. This is good with most any meat dish and has converted several people into turnip lovers.

10 comments:

Annie said...

I have never eaten or cooked turnips!
What are they similar to?
Have a great Friday.
blessings~
Annie

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

I'm with Annie. I've never eaten turnips. But your recipe sounds wonderful!! I'm going to try this. We can add a new veggie to our diet. Thanks for sharing :) Happy St. Patricks Day !

Overwhelmed! said...

Okay, I'm yet another person who has never eaten or cooked turnips. Can you believe it? Now I have to try this just for that reason, esepcially since you give this recipe such a good recommendation.

Thanks so much for participating in my Favorite Ingredients Friday- St. Patrick’s Day edition recipe exchange. I do appreciate it.

Scooter said...

~Giggle!~ Annie, I wouldn't know how to describe the flavor, except to say they are one of my favorite veggies. :)

Scooter said...

Thank you, ChupieandJ'smama. Turnips are often overlooked, but they are a good source of vitamins. I love them! :)

Scooter said...

Thank you for hosting the recipe swap, Overwhelmed! It's a marvelous idea. I hope your family will enjoy the turnips. :)

Rae said...

Sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing! =)

Unknown said...

Can't say I'm a big fan of turnips, but then I haven't eaten them since childhood. Maybe I should give them another shot. After all, I like other foods now that I didn't then. Thanks!

Scooter said...

Thank you, Larae. :)

Scooter said...

Thank you, Magi, isn't it amazing how many people overlook trying new things? It's only natural, but please do try this one. I especially support broadening children's food experiences. :)