Creamy Smashed Rutabagas with Herbs
This delightful recipe for creamy smashed rutabagas brings a comforting twist to your dinner table, reminiscent of family traditions. Growing up, my Dad would lovingly prepare these hearty root vegetables, always referring to them as turnips. Their sweet and earthy flavor pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or beef, making them a seasonal favorite. While fresh, uncoated rutabagas are rare treasures, this dish is just as delicious with the more common wax-coated variety. This classic side dish not only gives you the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal but also invites you to indulge in the rich heritage of flavors passed down through generations.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rutabaga
1 large (peeled and cubed)
Water
4 quarts (for boiling)
Butter or Margarine
4 tablespoons (melted)
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Crazy Salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
2
Carefully peel the wax-coated skin from the rutabaga using a sharp paring knife. Take your time, as the vegetable is quite hard.
3
To make cutting easier, slice a thin piece from one side of the rutabaga to create a flat base. Place the flat side down on a cutting board.
4
Using a chef's knife, cut the rutabaga into small slices, then chop the slices into small cubes.
5
Once cubed, carefully add the rutabaga cubes to the boiling water. Boil them until tender, which should take about 60 minutes.
6
After 60 minutes, test for tenderness by piercing with a fork. If it's easily pierced, remove from heat and strain the water.
7
Transfer the drained rutabaga cubes back into the same pot or a flat-bottomed dish.
8
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the rutabaga to your desired consistency.
9
Add melted butter (or margarine), black pepper, and Crazy Salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
10
Serve warm alongside your favorite meat dishes. Alternatively, you can also prepare it ahead of time and reheat in the microwave before serving.
11
Enjoy this comforting, family-inspired recipe!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Smashed Rutabagas?
It is a comforting side dish made from boiled, mashed rutabagas seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What ingredients are needed?
You will need 1 large rutabaga, 4 quarts of water, 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine, and 1/8 teaspoon each of black pepper and Crazy Salt.
How long do I boil the rutabaga?
The rutabaga should be boiled for approximately 60 minutes until tender.
How do I check if the rutabaga is done?
Test for tenderness by piercing a cube with a fork; it should be easily pierced.
What is the best way to peel a rutabaga?
Use a sharp paring knife to carefully remove the wax-coated skin from the hard vegetable.
How do I safely cut a hard rutabaga?
Slice a thin piece from one side to create a flat base, then place that flat side down on the cutting board to stabilize it.
How should the rutabaga be chopped?
Cut the rutabaga into small slices first, then chop those slices into small cubes.
How much water is used for boiling?
The recipe calls for 4 quarts of water brought to a rolling boil.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, either melted butter or margarine works well for this recipe.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
What specific seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with black pepper and Crazy Salt.
What should I use to mash the vegetable?
You can use a potato masher or a fork to reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
How do I reheat smashed rutabagas?
You can reheat the dish in the microwave before serving.
What does a rutabaga taste like?
It has a unique sweet and earthy flavor profile.
What main dishes pair well with rutabagas?
They pair beautifully with roasted turkey or beef dishes.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Yes, it is a seasonal favorite often used in holiday cooking.
Can I use wax-coated rutabagas?
Yes, wax-coated rutabagas are common and work perfectly once the skin is peeled.
Why are they sometimes called turnips?
In some family traditions and regions, rutabagas are colloquially referred to as turnips.
What category does this recipe belong to?
It is categorized as a Vegetable side dish.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
How much Crazy Salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of Crazy Salt, which can be adjusted to taste.
What knives do I need for preparation?
A sharp paring knife is best for peeling, and a chef's knife is best for cubing.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is a family-inspired recipe passed down through generations.
Should the rutabaga be peeled before cooking?
Yes, you must carefully peel the skin before cubing and boiling.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, after mashing, you can mix in the seasonings and adjust them to your preference.
What type of salt is suggested?
The recipe specifically recommends using Crazy Salt for flavoring.
What type of vegetable is a rutabaga?
A rutabaga is a hearty root vegetable.