YES, you can indeed heat turnips in your microwave. Although some people eat turnips raw, the cooked version does change the flavor slightly.
Turnip tips for microwave cooking
- Because this is a root veggie, make sure to scrub and rinse under running water.
- Remove any stems plus the ends; slice turnips into chunks or cubes. If you’re planning to mash turnips, the smaller, the better; they also cook faster when they’re less than one inch thick. It is not recommended to microwave a whole turnip.
- Place turnips in a single layer in a microwave-safe bowl or casserole dish with a lid (this helps create steam), add a small amount of water to the dish and then cover with a microwave-safe food cover or a paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 5 to 10 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the number of turnips you’re using and how fresh they are.
- Check for desired tenderness; continue cooking if needed.
- Drain water and let stand a few minutes before serving.
Serving suggestions:
- Add a small amount of olive oil, providing a source of healthy fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, lemon, ginger, or soy.
- Try mashing the turnips as an alternative to potatoes (no gravy needed).
Not surprisingly, turnips don’t often turn up on lists of popular veggies.
In fact, they‘re not even one of America’s top 20 most-consumed vegetables. The most popular?
Potatoes, followed by tomatoes. (Suddenly, we’re craving French fries with ketchup.)
Maybe you know something about turnips that most people don’t: Like how this overlooked and under-loved veggie has a subtle sweetness. They are no sweet potato, but are still definitely on the sweet side of the scale.
Or that they’re loaded with vitamin C and fiber, and other nutrients. That’s a win-win.
And if someone at your table is turning their nose up at turnips, it’s ok, because that means more for you, right?
Sources:
https://harvesttotable.com/turnip_turnips_braised_in/
