Mashed Turnips or Rutabaga

Because the growing season is short in Estonia, few vegetables are available year-round, making root vegetables—which can be kept for a whole season without refrigeration—an essential part of the national cuisine. This recipe for soft mashed turnips or rutabagas is an excellent side for cold weather meals, and in Estonia, it is commonly seen at winter holiday tables. Rutabaga pairs particularly well with lamb dishes. 

Recipe Servings: 6

Prep Time
10 minutes
add
Cook Time
30 minutes
equal
Total Time
40 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 2 lbs (1 kg) turnips or rutabagas, peeled and diced into 1 in (2.5 cm) cubes
  • ½ cup (60 g) prepared farina (milled wheat), made with whole milk
  • 4 Tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) sugar
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan set over high heat, bring 2 cups (480 ml) of water to a boil, add vegetables, and cook for 25 minutes, or until they have become very soft.
  2. Drain, place in a bowl, and mash well.
  3. Whip the hot farina into the mashed vegetables and whisk in the butter, salt, sugar, and nutmeg.
  4. Enjoy!

Notes

The color of this dish will vary depending on the vegetables used – turnips are white, sometimes purplish in color, while mashed rutabagas have a vibrant yellow-orange color.

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