Turnips in Mustard Sauce

Turnips in Mustard Sauce is a delectable dish that brings out the tangy sweetness of turnips, making it an excellent accompaniment to roast chicken or beef. This versatile recipe allows for variations, such as using whole mustard seeds for added crunch and subtle spiciness. Additionally, you can experiment with different vegetables like carrots, radishes, onions, beets, parsnips, or other root vegetables to create unique flavors.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds turnips, carrots, radishes, onions, or other vegetables, peeled and cut into pieces about the size of radishes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• About 1 cup chicken, beef, or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put the butter or oil in a medium saucepan, one that will hold the vegetables in one layer, over medium heat.
2. Add the vegetables and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
3. Add the sugar and enough stock to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil and cook, more or less undisturbed, until the liquid has mostly evaporated, and the vegetables are tender and brown. This typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. The shiny vegetables should sit in a small puddle of syrupy liquid.
4. Reduce the heat a bit and add the Dijon mustard, stirring until it dissolves in the sauce.
5. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or mustard if desired.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves and serve the dish hot or warm.

VARIATIONS:

• Crunchy Mustard Seeds: Substitute whole mustard seeds for prepared mustard to add crunch and a subtle spiciness to the dish.
• Creamy Mustard Sauce: For a creamier version, replace all or part of the stock with cream. Avoid vigorous boiling; let it bubble gently.

USES:

• Turnips in Mustard Sauce pairs exceptionally well with roast chicken or beef. It serves as a delightful side dish, complementing the main course with its tangy sweet flavor. The dish can also stand alone as a vegetarian option, allowing you to explore various root vegetables to create unique taste profiles.

With its tangy, sweet flavor profile, Turnips in Mustard Sauce is a delightful and versatile dish that elevates the humble turnip to new heights. Whether served as a side dish to roast chicken or beef or enjoyed as a vegetarian main course, this recipe offers a balance of flavors that will surely impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. So, why not give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness it brings to your table.