How to Cook Rutabaga

The Rutabaga, sometimes referred to as yellow turnip, is a root vegetable. Wikipedia says it originated as a cross between the turnip and the cabbage. If you are trying to eat healthy, you should consider adding some rutabaga to your diet. The rutabaga taste good, is good for you and is versatile, but can be tough to prepare due to its large waxy size. The following tips will show you how to easily prep the vegetable for a variety of dishes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 or 2 large rutabagas
• 1 bag fresh spinach
• Seasoning of choice

1. 
    
   Large Rutabaga

   ** PREP THE VEGETABLE **

2. Wash the large waxy vegetable by holding it under cold running water for a few minutes.

3. 
    
   Microwave rutabaga so skin will be easy to remove

   Dry the rutabaga with paper towels.

4. Place the large vegetable on a microwave safe plate. Cook on medium for 5 minutes.

5. Remove the vegetable from the microwave and allow cooling for 30 minutes.

6. Cut the skin from the rutabaga; it should now be soft and easy to peel.

7. Discard the peeling and cut the rutabaga in half, then cut the halves in half.

8. Cut the 4 quarters of the rutabaga into block size chunks.

9. Cook or freeze the rutabaga chunks

10. 
     
    Mash or puree rutabaga

    ** COOKING IDEAS **

11. 
     
    Spinach and Rutabaga

    Add the rutabaga chunks and 1 cup of water to a stockpot with a little chicken stock and boil until tender. Drain the water and mash the rutabaga, season to taste and serve with dinner. This dish makes a great holiday side dish. You can use this as a healthy replacement for mash potatoes.

12. Add the rutabaga chunks to a stockpot with 2 cups water. Season as you would season greens, ie, add some bacon, smoked turkey or my favorite, Uncle Wileys Healthy Southern Classic Seasoning for greens. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, add fresh spinach greens and cook for 2 more minutes. Serve with corn bread.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add the rutabaga chunks to any of your green dishes,ie, collards, cabbage, turnips or kale. It is especially good with turnip greens
• Don't handle the rutabaga while it is hot. Allow to cool after removing from the microwave.

Resources

• Cook Healthy Collards without meat
• Great Spiced Ice Tea

[vickymom64]

on 11/21/2009 Great recipe i have never eaten rutabaga. I will try this recipe thank you.

[netperking]

on 11/1/2009 Thanks for the ideas...I use it in beef stew instead of potatoes because of the health benefits! I will try these ideas also.