This recipe is inspired by a side dish served at Miller Union in Atlanta, GA, a farm-to-table restaurant specializing in Southern fare. Turnips have been a hearty, staple root vegetable eaten all over the world, and turnip greens are a classic Southern side dish here in the States. In this simple, quick recipe, maple syrup’s sweetness pairs perfectly with the peppery, bitter bite of turnip root. Even those who don’t particularly like turnips will be converted.
1 cup water
1 large turnip or 2 smaller turnips, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1. In a large skillet or pan, bring the water to a boil and add the cubed turnips. Cover with a lid and let the turnips steam through for about 5 minutes, until you can just pierce them with a fork. (You don’t want them mushy.)
2. Drain the water and place pan back on the burner, lowering the heat to medium.
3. Add the olive oil, garlic and maple syrup to the turnips. Stir to cover.
4. Cook turnips for 5-7 minutes, stiring occasionally. (It’s okay if they brown a bit.) Serve hot and enjoy, perhaps as a side with turnip greens!
*You can add more maple syrup if you would like the turnips sweeter.
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