Autumn Recipe: Creamy, Smoky Whipped Rutabaga (2024)

FAQs

Autumn Recipe: Creamy, Smoky Whipped Rutabaga? ›

Here's my current favorite way to enjoy rutabaga: The rutabaga is peeled, cooked in milk, then mashed and whipped with cream cheese. The smokiness comes from smoked olive oil and smoked paprika; if you don't have the olive oil add just an extra pinch of paprika.

If you find that rutabagas are too bitter for you, add up to a tablespoon of sugar to accentuate the sweetness and stir to combine.

Rutabagas mix well with other root vegetables. Mix with carrots, pota- toes, and turnips to make a healthy vegetable stew. The wax and skin of rutabagas must be peeled before cooking. A sharp paring knife is better than a vegetable peeler.

They can be eaten raw, but are usually roasted, cooked and mashed (sometimes with potatoes or other root vegetables), and used in casseroles, stews and soups. They are high in vitamin C, a good source of potassium and high in fiber. Refrigerate rutabagas, unwashed, in a plastic bag for up to 10 days.

The rutabaga is an often overlooked, but sweet and nutrient-packed, root vegetable. Originating sometime in the 17th century, it's a hybrid between a turnip and a wild cabbage. In fact, a rutabaga kind of looks like a giant, ugly turnip.

Spices mask bitter flavors, so don't be shy. Add some spicy peppers or powders to your cooking, or sprinkle some onto your dishes for a little bit of extra heat. Black pepper in particular has compounds that counteract bitterness. Some other great spices include cayenne, red pepper, paprika, and chili powder.

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

Rutabagas are best frozen. Canned rutabagas usually discolor and develop a strong flavor. Freeze by cutting into cubes and water blanch for 3 minutes. Cool, drain and pack into freezer containers or freezer bags, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.

The older the rutabaga, the longer it can take to cook, so you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time. You can use a food processor if you prefer the mash to have a smoother texture.

If they're overcooked, they will disintegrate [source: Leslie Beck]. Here are some ways to prepare rutabaga. Baking Slice the rutabaga and place it in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle it with a few tablespoons of water and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176.6 degrees Celsius) until tender.

Which is healthier potato or rutabaga? ›

Rutabagas, which are high in vitamin C and fiber, make a great alternative to potatoes in a low- carb diet: One cup of boiled and cubed rutabaga contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, while the same amount of boiled and cubed potatoes contain 31 grams of carbohydrates. A rutabaga has no trans fat or cholesterol.

‌Although rutabagas have many health benefits, they must be eaten in moderation. They can cause discomfort if you have irritable bowel syndrome or allergies related to cruciferous vegetables. If this is the case, talk to your doctor before adding them to your diet.

Nutrition Notes

Both turnips and rutabagas are high in fibre and low in calories. Per cup, turnips have only 36 calories and 2 grams of fibre, while rutabagas have 50 calories and 4 grams of fibre. Both are good sources of calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 and folate and excellent sources of dietary fibre and vitamin C.

The word “Rutabaga” comes from the Swedish “rotabagge,” which means root ram, baggy root, thick root and ram's foot. 2 The preferred name for Rutabaga in Europe is Swede or tumshie and neep in Scotland. In America, it's known as the Swedish turnip, yellow turnip, and Canadian turnip.

Rutabagas are more popular in regions like Scandinavia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom because they grow better in colder climates. The name “rutabaga” comes from the Swedish word rotabagge, which means “baggy root.” Rutabagas are also commonly referred to as Swedes, Neeps, or Swedish Turnips.

Rutabagas are generally considered safe for individuals with diabetes due to their low glycemic index and moderate carbohydrate content. They can be a valuable addition to a diabetic diet as they contribute to better blood sugar management and provide essential nutrients.

One turnip website from the United Kingdom notes that if you boil them, add a little sugar to tame the scent and add baking soda to reduce bitterness.