A bunch of turnips in a basket.

Image Credit: dolgachov/iStock/Getty Images When many people think of turnips, they think of bitter, dry root vegetables that are suitable only as filler for stews or soups. These turnips are bitter and dry because they have been stored too long and aren’t fresh. Young turnips have a satisfying, earthy flavor and make a moist, rich side dish when they are slow cooked and mashed with onions and some margarine. The turnips must cook for six to eight hours in your crockpot, but the light, buttery result is fit for any holiday table.

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Step 1

Peel 2 lbs. young turnips with a vegetable peeler and cut off the green tops. Cut the turnips into quarters.

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Step 2

Place the turnips, onions, salt, pepper and 3 cups water in the crockpot and cook them on low for six to eight hours, or until the turnips are tender.

Step 3

Drain the turnips into a colander and place them in a large bowl. Add the margarine. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the turnips on a medium setting until they are light and fluffy. Add water 1/4 cup at a time if the turnips are lumpy or dry.

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Step 4

Serve the turnips hot with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Things You'll Need

Vegetable peeler Knife 2 tbsp. minced onion, optional Salt and pepper to taste Colander Large bowl 4 tbsp. margarine Hand mixer or stand mixer

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  references
  
      "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone"; Deborah Madison; 2007
    
      "The Place I Call Home"; Lois Stavsky, et al.; 1990
    
      "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining"; Beth Hensperger; 2010
       




  references
  
      "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone"; Deborah Madison; 2007
    
      "The Place I Call Home"; Lois Stavsky, et al.; 1990
    
      "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining"; Beth Hensperger; 2010
    




A bunch of turnips in a basket.

Image Credit: dolgachov/iStock/Getty Images

Image Credit: dolgachov/iStock/Getty Images

  • Vegetable peeler

  • Knife

  • 2 tbsp. minced onion, optional

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Colander

  • Large bowl

  • 4 tbsp. margarine

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

       "Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone"; Deborah Madison; 2007

   "The Place I Call Home"; Lois Stavsky, et al.; 1990

   "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Entertaining"; Beth Hensperger; 2010