Turnips are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that can add a delicious twist to various soups. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, learning how to cook turnips in soup can elevate your culinary skills and provide a tasty way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of turnips, exploring their benefits, preparation methods, and recipe ideas to help you create mouth-watering soups that showcase the humble turnip.
Understanding Turnips and Their Benefits
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at turnips and their benefits. Turnips are a cool-season crop that belongs to the Brassica family, which also includes cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. They’re an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
Turnips are also low in calories and rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, turnips contain a compound called glucosinolate, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Choosing the Right Turnips for Soup
When it comes to choosing turnips for soup, there are several varieties to consider. Here are a few popular options:
- White turnips: These are the most commonly available variety and have a sweet, mild flavor.
- Purple turnips: These turnips have a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor than white turnips.
- Golden turnips: These turnips have a sweet, buttery flavor and a beautiful yellow color.
Regardless of the variety, choose turnips that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid turnips with soft spots or signs of mold.
Preparing Turnips for Soup
Before cooking turnips in soup, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Peeling and Chopping Turnips
To peel turnips, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. You can also leave the skin on if you prefer, as it’s edible and packed with fiber and nutrients.
Once peeled, chop the turnips into bite-sized pieces. You can chop them into cubes, slices, or even julienne strips, depending on the desired texture and presentation.
Removing Bitterness from Turnips
Some people may find turnips too bitter for their taste. To remove bitterness from turnips, try the following:
- Soak the chopped turnips in cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove some of the bitter compounds.
- Add a pinch of salt to the water, as salt can help to balance out the bitterness.
- Use a sweet ingredient like onions or carrots to balance out the flavor of the turnips.
Cooking Turnips in Soup
Now that we’ve prepared our turnips, it’s time to cook them in soup. Here are some general guidelines for cooking turnips in soup:
Boiling Turnips
Boiling is a simple way to cook turnips in soup. Here’s how:
- Place the chopped turnips in a large pot of salted water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the turnips for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
Sauteing Turnips
Sauteing is a great way to add flavor to turnips before adding them to soup. Here’s how:
- Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped turnips and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
- Add aromatics like onions and garlic to the pan for added flavor.
Roasting Turnips
Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of turnips. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss the chopped turnips with some oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the turnips in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and caramelized.
Turnip Soup Recipes
Now that we’ve covered the basics of cooking turnips in soup, let’s explore some delicious recipe ideas. Here are a few to get you started:
Turnip and Potato Soup
This creamy soup is a great way to showcase the flavors of turnips and potatoes.
- 2 large turnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the chopped turnips and potatoes in a large pot. Add the butter, onion, and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream.
Turnip and Leek Soup
This soup is a great way to showcase the flavors of turnips and leeks.
- 2 large turnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 large leeks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the chopped turnips and leeks in a large pot. Add the butter and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream.
Conclusion
Cooking turnips in soup is a great way to add flavor, nutrition, and texture to your meals. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this article, you can unlock the full potential of turnips and create delicious soups that showcase their unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, we hope this article has inspired you to get creative with turnips and explore the world of turnip soups.
What are the different types of turnips that can be used in soup?
There are several types of turnips that can be used in soup, each with its unique flavor and texture. The most commonly used varieties are the white or Japanese turnip, the purple-top turnip, and the rutabaga. The white turnip is sweet and mild, while the purple-top turnip has a slightly stronger flavor. Rutabaga, on the other hand, has a more robust and earthy flavor.
When choosing a type of turnip for soup, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you want a light and refreshing soup, the white turnip may be the best choice. If you want a heartier and more robust soup, the rutabaga may be the way to go. You can also experiment with different combinations of turnip varieties to create a unique flavor profile.
How do I prepare turnips for soup?
Preparing turnips for soup is relatively easy. Start by washing the turnips thoroughly and peeling them with a vegetable peeler. Remove any green tops, as they can be bitter and may not be suitable for soup. Cut the turnips into small, uniform pieces, depending on the desired texture and cooking time.
If you want a smooth and creamy soup, you can puree the cooked turnips in a blender or with an immersion blender. If you prefer a chunky soup, you can leave the turnips in larger pieces. You can also sauté the turnips in butter or oil before adding them to the soup for added flavor.
What are some common flavor combinations for turnip soup?
Turnip soup can be flavored in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. Some common flavor combinations include garlic and ginger, onion and thyme, and lemon and parsley. You can also add other ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, and celery to create a hearty and comforting soup.
When combining flavors, start with a base of aromatics such as onion, garlic, and ginger, and then add the turnips and other ingredients. You can also add broth or stock to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Experiment with different combinations to find the one that you enjoy the most.
Can I use turnip greens in soup?
Yes, turnip greens can be used in soup, but they can be quite bitter and may not be suitable for everyone. If you want to use turnip greens, it’s best to use them in moderation and combine them with other ingredients to balance out the flavor. You can also cook the greens separately before adding them to the soup to reduce their bitterness.
Turnip greens have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, and they can add a nutritious boost to your soup. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, and calcium and iron. If you’re looking for a way to add more greens to your diet, turnip greens can be a great option.
How do I store turnips for later use in soup?
Turnips can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending on their freshness and storage conditions. To store turnips, place them in a plastic bag or airtight container and keep them in the crisper drawer. You can also store turnips in a cool, dark place such as a root cellar.
If you want to store turnips for longer than a week, you can consider freezing or pickling them. Frozen turnips can be used in soup, but they may lose some of their texture and flavor. Pickled turnips, on the other hand, can be used as a condiment or side dish.
Can I make turnip soup ahead of time?
Yes, turnip soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. In fact, making soup ahead of time can allow the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying soup.
When making soup ahead of time, it’s best to cook the turnips and other ingredients until they are tender, and then let the soup cool before refrigerating or freezing it. You can also puree the soup before refrigerating or freezing it, and then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Are there any health benefits to eating turnip soup?
Yes, turnip soup can be a nutritious and healthy addition to your diet. Turnips are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Eating turnip soup can also help to support digestive health and boost the immune system. The fiber in turnips can help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation, while the vitamin C can help to fight off infections and illnesses.