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I have said this before and I’ll say it again-side dishes are hard! They are hard to come up with ideas, hard to incorporate into whatever else you are making and they are hard to find recipes that are easy.  I feel like I spend a lot of time on the main course and I don’t have the energy to make a complicated side dish.  Plus, my kids hate all vegetables-except broccoli, go figure! 
So, I have tried to come up with some side dishes that are easy and tasty.  I think we all get stuck in the rut of steamed broccoli/cauliflower or mashed potatoes or green beans.  There has to be more!!!  Well there is! There are a lot of vegetables that we are not taking advantage of such as turnips.  I know, I know the bitter root vegetable.  Well, it doesn’t have to be bitter.  I made these the other night and everyone inhaled them.  Probably because they were so excited to have something other than green beans, but none the less they ate it! 

Try this instead of mashed potatoes and serve it with roasted pork, grilled chicken,  meatloaf… 
I’ll add some more sides soon-keep an eye out!
Enjoy!

 

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Mashed Turnips

Serves 4-6

3-4 large turnips
3/4 cup milk (or cream)
4-5 Tablespoons butter
Salt and Pepper

Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove.  Add 1 Tablespoon salt to water.

Peel off the outer layer of the turnips with a vegetable peeler.  Cut the peeled turnips into cubes.  

Place in boiling water and let boil for about 30-35 minutes or until they are easily mashed with a fork.

In a small pot heat the butter and milk to a simmer-do not boil.

Once the turnips are cooked through drain in a colander and place into a food processor.  Puree until smooth.  You do not have to worry about them turning gummy like potatoes because there is no gluten in turnips.  

While the motor is running pour in the milk and butter through the chute.  The mixture will become very creamy. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm. 

Notes:
* If the mashed turnips are still too bitter for your taste you can add a 1/2-1 teaspoon of sugar to the mixture.  It won't make them sweet it will just tame some of the bitter.  
* Garnish with minced chives or parsley