How to Cook Rutabaga

Rutabagas are believed to have come from turnips and cabbages.

The rutabaga, sometimes referred to as a yellow turnip, is a root vegetable. Wikipedia says it originated as a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. If you are trying to eat healthy, you should consider adding some rutabaga to your diet. The rutabaga tastes good, is good for you and is versatile, but it 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. Does this Spark an idea?

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

Instructions

- 1
  
  Wash the rutabaga by holding it under cold running water for a few minutes. Dry the rutabaga with paper towels.
- 2
  
  Place the large vegetable on a microwave safe plate. Cook on medium for five minutes.
- 3
  
  Remove the vegetable from the microwave and allow cooling for 30 minutes.
- 4
  
  Cut the skin from the rutabaga; it should now be soft and easy to peel.
- 5
  
  Discard the peeling and cut the rutabaga in half, then cut the halves in half.
- 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. Cut the quarters of the rutabaga into block size chunks.
- 8
  
  Cook or freeze the rutabaga chunks
- 9
  
  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 mashed potatoes.
- 10
  
  Add the rutabaga chunks to a stockpot with 2 cups water. Season as you would season greens, such as with bacon or smoked turkey. Bring to a boil and cook for five minutes. Then add fresh spinach greens and cook for two more minutes. Serve with corn bread.

Tips & Warnings

You can add the rutabaga chunks to any of your green dishes, such as 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.

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Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Comments

Barbara Nov 10, 2011
I peel the rutabagas and boil them I then add pepper bacon yummy an healthy.

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