Mashed Turnips

Looking for a low-carb mashed starchy side dish? Smooth and creamy and lightly seasoned these mashed turnips will turn up your dining table this new year.

 

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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.

Mashed turnips are a must-have at every family gathering or a large meal. Easy to make, and even seasoned simply with salt and pepper, they're delicious.

When mashed, turnips become a light vegetable that pairs nicely with heartier dishes like my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes or Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Serve alongside a tasty Air Fryer Fried Chicken or Baked Turkey Thighs & Vegetables.

In our family, we make sure to have a side of mashed turnips at big meals, and we typically use it as a lighter side dish, giving a nice refreshing break between all the other heavy foods.

Ingredients For Mashed Turnips

• Turnips - peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces. If your turnips come with greens, don't toss them, you can cook those too!
• Salt and Pepper -  to taste

Tools needed for this recipe

• Peeler
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large pot
• Potato masher

How do I choose a turnip?

Depending on the size of turnip you buy will determine if it gives off a bitter or sweet flavor. Larger turnips tend to be more bitter, while smaller turnips are sweeter. Bigger isn't always better in this situation, I'd pick a small-medium sized turnip.

How to make Mashed Turnips

Peel and dice the turnip into 1-inch pieces.

Place the turnip pieces into a large pot and cover it with 2 inches of water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the turnips are tender about 20-25 minutes. 

Drain the turnips and return them to the pot.

Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer until they are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. 

Storing leftovers

Store leftover mashed turnips in an airtight container, refrigerated for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze turnips?

Yes! If stored properly, they'll last a few months. Use any leftover turnips in any dish where you could use potatoes or squash.

You can freeze turnips in many different forms:

• Whole
• Diced
• Blanched
• Mashed
• Boiled
• Roasted

Are mashed turnips healthier than mashed potatoes?

Mashed turnips have fewer calories and carbs than the mashed potato's starchier counterpart. Turnips contain 18 calories, and 4 grams of carbs per cup, while mashed potatoes contain 59 calories, and 13.5 grams of carbs per cup.

Why are my mashed turnips watery?

Turnips are not as starchy as potatoes. The water content in a potato is 80%, while a turnip's water content is around 94%.

If you let your mashed turnips sit awhile, some of that water will rise to the surface, you can scoop it out, or stir it back in. Alternatively, you can leave your boiled turnips in a colander to drain for a few minutes longer to avoid excess water.

Pro Tips

• You can add milk, cream, or butter to make it creamy, similar to mashed potatoes. If adding milk or cream, add about ½ cup of milk and 2-3 Tablespoons of butter. 
• You can also add fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, for additional flavor or garnish. 

Looking for more side dish recipes? Try these out:

• Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer Carrots (Sweet or Savory)
• Jamaican Rice and Peas
• Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Collard Green Soup

 If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!