Savory Finnish Root Vegetable Casserole
Experience the comforting flavors of Finland with this Savory Finnish Root Vegetable Casserole. Featuring a delightful blend of carrots and turnips, this dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. The creamy mash is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, while a hint of cinnamon and sugar creates a subtly sweet topping that contrasts beautifully with the savory roots. Perfect as a side dish for festive occasions or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress your guests and become a beloved favorite in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
3 large (peeled and cut into chunks)
Turnip
1 large (peeled and cut into chunks)
Unsalted Butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Granulated Sugar
1/4 cup (for the mixture)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Milk
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons (for the topping)
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a large pot, combine the carrot and turnip chunks. Pour in enough water to fully cover the vegetables and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots and turnips are tender.
4
Once cooked, drain the vegetables and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Return the drained vegetables to the pot and mash them until smooth.
5
Incorporate the softened butter, remaining salt, flour, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar into the mashed vegetables. Stir until well combined.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until thoroughly mixed.
7
Pour the milk and egg mixture into the vegetable mixture, blending until smooth and creamy.
8
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole to create a delicious, sweet crust.
10
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown and slightly crisp.
11
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Finnish Root Vegetable Casserole?
It is a comforting Finnish dish featuring a blend of carrots and turnips mashed with butter, eggs, and milk, finished with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping.
What primary vegetables are used in this recipe?
The main vegetables used are three large carrots and one large turnip.
How should the carrots and turnips be prepared?
The vegetables should be peeled and cut into chunks before boiling.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
How long do the root vegetables need to boil?
The carrots and turnips should simmer for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
What is the next step after boiling the vegetables?
Drain the vegetables, let them cool for 1-2 minutes, and then mash them until they are smooth.
How much butter is used in the mixture?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter.
What type of flour is included in the vegetable mash?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is added to the vegetable mixture itself?
You should incorporate 1/4 cup of granulated sugar into the mashed vegetables.
How many eggs are required for the binder?
You will need 2 lightly beaten eggs.
What kind of milk is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of milk mixed with the eggs.
What makes the sweet topping for the casserole?
The topping is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It should bake for approximately 45 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when the top becomes golden brown and slightly crisp.
Is this Finnish root vegetable casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a smooth and creamy vegetable mash with a slightly crisp, sweet crust on top.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to adjust the 1/2 teaspoon of added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best served hot after cooling for a few minutes out of the oven.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the ideal size for these ingredients.
How much salt is added to the boiling water?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water when boiling the vegetables.
Should I whisk the eggs and milk together separately?
Yes, whisk the eggs and milk in a separate bowl before blending them into the vegetable mixture.
Does this recipe include any fiber?
Yes, carrots and turnips are excellent sources of dietary fiber.
What flavor profile does the cinnamon add?
The cinnamon adds a warm, subtly sweet aromatic contrast to the savory root vegetables.
Is the sugar amount for the topping the same as for the mash?
No, 1/4 cup is used in the mash, while 2 tablespoons are used specifically for the topping.
Is this a good dish for festive occasions?
Yes, it is perfect as a side dish for holidays or cozy family dinners.
Can I use a potato masher for the vegetables?
Yes, a potato masher is perfect for reaching a smooth consistency with the carrots and turnips.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetable casserole and a healthy side dish.
Should the vegetables be drained before mashing?
Yes, ensure you drain the water thoroughly to keep the mash from being too watery.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this Finnish casserole recipe.