Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips: Prepare to be amazed! If you think turnips are bland and boring, think again. This recipe will completely transform your perception of this humble root vegetable. We’re taking the often-overlooked turnip and elevating it to a star side dish with a crispy, cheesy crust and a tender, flavorful interior.

Turnips have a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. They were a staple food for both humans and livestock in Europe and Asia. While they may not be as glamorous as some other vegetables, turnips are incredibly nutritious and versatile. They were particularly important during times of famine and hardship, providing a reliable source of sustenance.

So, why will you love these Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips? The combination of textures is simply irresistible. The creamy, slightly sweet interior of the crushed turnip contrasts beautifully with the salty, savory, and wonderfully crisp Parmesan crust. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. It’s the perfect way to add a healthy and delicious side dish to any meal, even for the pickiest eaters. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy turnips!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, plain or panko
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth (optional, for extra moisture)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Turnips:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the turnips will roast evenly and develop a nice crust.
2. Prepare the turnips. Peel the turnips thoroughly to remove any tough outer skin. Cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Uniform size is key for even cooking.
3. Boil the turnips. Place the turnip chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the turnips are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, but they shouldn’t be mushy.
4. Drain the turnips. Carefully drain the cooked turnips in a colander. Let them steam dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Making the Parmesan Crust:

1. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture will form the delicious, savory crust for our turnips.
2. Melt the butter. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can melt it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
3. Combine the butter and dry ingredients. Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the Parmesan cheese mixture. Stir well to combine. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This buttery mixture will help the Parmesan crust adhere to the turnips and create a beautiful golden-brown color.

Crushing and Coating the Turnips:

1. Prepare a baking sheet. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the turnips from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Crush the turnips. Place the drained turnips on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, a potato masher, or a fork, gently crush each turnip chunk. You don’t want to completely mash them, just flatten them slightly. This will increase the surface area for the Parmesan crust to adhere to.
3. Drizzle with olive oil. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the crushed turnips. Make sure each turnip is lightly coated with oil. This will help them crisp up and brown beautifully in the oven.
4. Coat with the Parmesan mixture. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over the crushed turnips, pressing it gently into the surface to ensure it adheres well. You want a generous coating of the Parmesan mixture on each turnip.

Baking the Parmesan Crusted Turnips:

1. Bake in the preheated oven. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnips are golden brown and the Parmesan crust is crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
2. Add broth (optional). If you want a slightly softer, more moist turnip, you can add the chicken or vegetable broth to the baking sheet during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Pour the broth around the turnips, not directly on top of them. This will create a bit of steam and help keep them from drying out.
3. Broil for extra crispness (optional). For an extra crispy Parmesan crust, you can broil the turnips for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Watch them very carefully to prevent burning.
4. Remove from the oven. Once the turnips are golden brown and the Parmesan crust is crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
5. Let cool slightly. Let the turnips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the Parmesan crust to set up a bit.

Serving the Parmesan Crusted Turnips:

1. Garnish (optional). Sprinkle the Parmesan crusted turnips with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve immediately. Serve the Parmesan crusted turnips immediately as a side dish. They are best served hot and crispy.
3. Pairing suggestions. These Parmesan crusted turnips are a delicious accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or fish. They also pair well with other roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
4. Storage. Leftover Parmesan crusted turnips can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet to restore their crispness.

Tips and Variations:

• Add other herbs. Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or chives.
• Use different cheese. You can substitute Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
• Add spice. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan cheese mixture.
• Make it vegan. Use vegan Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, and substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
• Add lemon zest. A little lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish.
• Roast other vegetables. This recipe works well with other root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, or parsnips.

Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips!

Conclusion:

This Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a revelation! If you’ve ever been on the fence about turnips, or simply looking for a way to elevate your vegetable game, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. The combination of the slightly sweet, earthy turnip, the salty, nutty Parmesan crust, and the satisfyingly creamy interior is truly irresistible. It’s a simple dish, yes, but the flavors and textures are complex and delightful, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters.

I know what you might be thinking: turnips? Really? But trust me on this one. The crushing technique allows for maximum surface area, which means more of that glorious Parmesan crust in every bite. And the roasting process mellows out any bitterness that turnips can sometimes have, leaving you with a tender, flavorful vegetable that’s anything but boring.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? These Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips are fantastic alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple piece of pan-seared salmon. They also make a wonderful addition to a vegetarian feast, adding a hearty and flavorful element to the table.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture. Or, for a more herbaceous flavor, try incorporating some fresh thyme or rosemary. You could even experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for a unique twist. A drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Another great variation is to add some roasted garlic to the crushed turnips before topping with the Parmesan. The garlic will infuse the turnips with a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese. You could also try adding some caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness and depth.

For a truly decadent experience, consider adding a dollop of mascarpone cheese to the crushed turnips before topping with the Parmesan. The mascarpone will add a creamy richness that elevates the dish to another level.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular part of your rotation. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some turnips, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. And when you do, please share your experience! Let me know in the comments below how it turned out, what variations you tried, and what you served it with. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Happy cooking!