I love experimenting with new recipes and finding creative ways to cook vegetables. Recently, I stumbled upon a method that completely changed my perception of turnips – microwaving! Yes, you heard it right. Microwaving turnips is not only quick and convenient but also produces deliciously tender and flavorful results. So, if you’re looking for an easy and hassle-free way to cook turnips, grab a microwave-safe dish and let’s get started with this quick guide to microwaving turnips!
Choosing the Right Turnips
Step 1: Select Fresh Turnips
When it comes to microwaving turnips, fresh is always best. Look for turnips that are firm and smooth without any signs of decay or blemishes. The skin should be tight and unbruised, indicating freshness. Organic turnips are even better as they are grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Step 2: Determine the Size
Size matters! Smaller turnips tend to be sweeter and more tender, making them perfect for microwave cooking. If you have the option, choose turnips that are no larger than a tennis ball. Larger turnips could be a bit tougher and take longer to cook.
Prepping the Turnips
Step 1: Wash and Peel the Turnips
Start by giving your turnips a good wash under cool running water. Use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris clinging to the skin. Once clean, it’s time to peel off the outer layer. Grab a sharp vegetable peeler and gently remove the skin, ensuring you remove all dirt and impurities.
Step 2: Cut Into Even Pieces
To ensure even cooking, it’s essential to cut your turnips into uniform pieces. Aim for bite-sized chunks or slices, around 1 inch thick. This will allow them to cook evenly and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
Microwaving the Turnips
Step 1: Place the Turnips in a Microwave-Safe Dish
Take your prepared turnip pieces and arrange them in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even cooking.
Step 2: Season and Add Liquid (If Desired)
Now it’s time to add flavor to your turnips. You can keep it simple by drizzling a little olive oil and sprinkling some salt and pepper over the turnips. Alternatively, you may choose to be more adventurous and season them with your favorite herbs and spices. If you prefer a softer texture, adding a splash of broth or water to the dish will create steam and help the turnips to cook more quickly.
Step 3: Cover the Dish
To trap the steam and ensure your turnips cook evenly, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small vent for hot air to escape.
Step 4: Microwave on High
Set your microwave to high power and cook the turnips for about 5 minutes. Check for tenderness by inserting a fork into one of the pieces. If they are still firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Step 5: Let Them Rest
Once your turnips are perfectly cooked, carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Be cautious as it will be hot! Let the turnips rest in the covered dish for a few minutes. This will allow the residual heat to evenly distribute and finish cooking the turnips, resulting in a uniformly tender texture.
Enjoying Your Microwaved Turnips
Now that your turnips are beautifully cooked, there are countless ways to enjoy them!
The possibilities are endless!
Microwaving turnips is a simple and efficient way to cook this underrated vegetable. Gone are the days of spending hours boiling or roasting them. With this quick guide, you can have perfectly cooked turnips in just a matter of minutes. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll discover a newfound love for this humble root vegetable. Happy cooking!