What do you mean you don't like turnips? The farmer's markets are flooding with them! How can you even walk by the produce aisle without noticing those gorgeous two-tone purple and white bulbs?!?!
My dad would fry turnips for me as a kid. And if it weren't for him, I probably wouldn't be a turnip zealot today. They are not exactly a California staple. But, they are good.
I make a turnip-ginger foam at work and it's my absolute favorite thing to prep. In fact, I take pride in it and look forward to the chef sampling my concoction before service. We also make a turnip foie fat purée that is silky smooth delicious.
The combo of bacon and turnip is like comfort food divine. And with scallions? Oh my God...
Turnips Fried in Bacon Fat Recipe
3 medium size turnips, peeled & sliced 1/2-inch thick
3 thick cut bacon slices, brunoised
4 scallion greens, chiffonaded on the bias
Salt & Pepper
If you have a 3-inch diameter mold, punch the turnip slices out so they are symmetrical in size. If not, don't worry, they will still look and taste delicious. In a non-stick skillet on medium high heat, cook the bacon. When they start to turn brown, carefully remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with a paper towel. Reserve the fat.
In the same pan, with the same bacon fat, fry the turnips on medium heat. Do not fry on high heat or the turnips will burn. Cook for 1 minute on each side until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels. Garnish with a sprinkle of bacon bits and scallions.
ooh, that sounds good. My family did something similar with potatoes for years, but the bacon was served separately and we never did the scallion thing.
Combining it all sounds wonderful; I'm half inclined to get some turnips on the way home.
Posted by: Berry_K | November 10, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Oh thank heavens, some one else in the world thinks that turnips are edible!!!!
Posted by: Ms. Glaze | November 10, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Hey, having lived in Scotland for a year, I loves me some neeps. Especially with BAY-CONNNNN. LOL...
Posted by: SAS | November 11, 2009 at 01:45 AM
I can taste this in my head already, yum! Can anyone suggest an alternative to bacon fat for my vegetarian partner?
Posted by: Paul | November 11, 2009 at 03:34 AM
My God Ms. Glaze! Bacon fat! You must talking to Ruhlman. What about brussel sprouts? John
Posted by: John | November 11, 2009 at 07:04 AM
I've never tried fried turnips - sounds good!
Posted by: Kevin | November 11, 2009 at 07:23 AM
I think they could be fried in some olive oil too. The scallions and turnips on their own are pretty darn tasty. I just can't think of a real vegetarian sub for bacon fat. Any one else?!?!
Posted by: Ms. Glaze | November 11, 2009 at 02:23 PM
I've always eaten my turnips straight up..
I'm a country bumpkin I guess..
Does look delish though.
Posted by: parisbrunch | November 29, 2009 at 11:34 PM
A combination of 1/2 butter and 1/2 sesame oil (a couple drops of toasted, the rest plain) gives a similar unami/taste as animal (bacon) fat. Have to credit Deborah Madison for that info - forget which book. If you're vegan, however, I guess try the sesame oil combo on its own? AND - love the turnip recipes! We keep getting them in our CSA box, so these new ways are very exciting!
Posted by: Karen | January 05, 2010 at 10:57 AM