I always love experimenting with new and exciting recipes in the kitchen. From baking mouthwatering desserts to whipping up savory dishes, cooking has become a passion of mine. Recently, I came across a fabulous vegetable called turnip. Turnips are versatile, nutritious, and incredibly delicious. Today, I am going to share with you my favorite way to prepare turnips – in the microwave! Yes, you read that right. Cooking turnips in the microwave is quick, easy, and yields perfectly tender and flavorful results. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Gather Your Ingredients
Step 1:
Before we dive into the cooking process, we need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Peel and Dice the Turnip
Step 2:
Start by washing the turnip thoroughly under cool water. Once clean, take a sharp knife and carefully peel off the outer skin. The skin tends to be tough and can ruin the texture of the cooked turnip, so make sure to remove it completely.
Step 3:
Once peeled, it’s time to dice the turnip into bite-sized pieces. Cut off the top and bottom of the turnip, creating a stable base. Stand the turnip upright and slice it vertically into thin rounds. Then, stack the rounds and slice them horizontally to create small cubes.
Cooking the Turnip in the Microwave
Step 4:
Now that our turnips are prepared, it’s time to cook them in the microwave. Take a microwave-safe dish and add your diced turnip pieces. Make sure the dish is large enough to accommodate the turnips in a single layer.
Step 5:
Next, add the butter to the dish. The butter will not only enhance the flavor of the turnips but also help them cook evenly and become wonderfully tender.
Step 6:
Season the turnips with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it will play a crucial role in bringing out the natural flavors of the turnips.
Step 7:
If you’d like to add some extra pizzazz to your turnips, this is the perfect time to sprinkle in some herbs or spices. Rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of garlic powder will complement the earthy taste of the turnips beautifully.
Step 8:
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap the steam and ensure that the turnips cook evenly. If using plastic wrap, make sure to leave a small vent for the steam to escape.
Step 9:
Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high power for 4 minutes. After the time is up, carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or kitchen towels. Remember, it will be hot!
Step 10:
Gently remove the lid or plastic wrap, being cautious of the escaping steam. Give the turnips a stir to evenly distribute the melted butter and seasonings.
Step 11:
Return the uncovered dish to the microwave and cook for another 3-4 minutes on high power. Keep a close eye on the turnips during this time to prevent overcooking. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
Step 12:
Once the turnips are cooked to your desired tenderness, carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Give them a final stir and let them rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoying Your Microwave-Cooked Turnips
Congratulations! You’ve successfully cooked turnips in the microwave. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and savor the deliciousness. These tender and flavorful turnips make a fantastic side dish to complement any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple pasta dish, they are sure to impress.
So, the next time you feel like adding a new twist to your vegetable repertoire, give microwave-cooked turnips a try. This quick and easy cooking method will save you time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste or quality. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the goodness of turnips throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Happy cooking!