Savory Rutabaga and Apple Bake
Indulge in this delightful Savory Rutabaga and Apple Bake, a comforting winter dish that perfectly balances the earthy sweetness of rutabagas (or turnips) with the tartness of fresh apples. This scrumptious gratin showcases layered flavors and textures, offering a delectable warmth for cold evenings. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and herb crust, it's a wholesome option for those mindful of calories but still craving a hearty meal. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy root vegetables. Feel free to double the gratin for larger gatherings, and watch as everyone enjoys this unique, flavorful dish!
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rutabaga (or Turnip)
1 (Peeled and sliced, approximately 6 cups)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Water
1/2 cup (N/A)
Apples
2 medium (Peeled and grated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Dried Savory (or Thyme)
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Coarse Fresh Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (N/A)
Dried Parsley
3/4 tablespoon (N/A)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
Begin by peeling the rutabaga (or turnip) and cutting it in half lengthwise. From there, cut each half into quarters, and then thinly slice each quarter crosswise. You should have approximately 6 cups of sliced rutabaga.
3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the sliced rutabaga, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until almost tender. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch and water, whisking until smooth.
5
Add the grated apples, salt, pepper, and savory (or thyme) to the cornstarch mixture, and toss well to coat the apples evenly.
6
Gently fold in the cooked rutabagas, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
7
Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8
While the gratin is baking, in a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and melted butter. Toss until the breadcrumbs are coated.
9
After the initial 20-minute bake, remove the dish from the oven, uncover, and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
10
Return to the oven and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rutabagas are completely tender.
11
For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
12
Serve hot and enjoy this delightful medley of flavors!
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
7.3g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
1.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Rutabaga and Apple Bake?
It is a comforting winter gratin that balances the earthy sweetness of rutabagas or turnips with the tartness of fresh apples, finished with a crispy breadcrumb and herb crust.
Can I use a substitute for rutabaga in this recipe?
Yes, turnips can be used as a direct substitute for rutabaga in this bake.
What kind of apples are best for this bake?
The recipe calls for medium apples that are peeled and grated; tart varieties typically pair best with the savory flavors.
How do I prepare the rutabaga for this dish?
Peel the rutabaga, cut it in half lengthwise, cut each half into quarters, and then thinly slice each quarter crosswise to get about 6 cups.
Do I need to boil the rutabaga before baking?
Yes, you should boil the sliced rutabaga for about 10 minutes or until almost tender before assembly.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch and water mixture?
The cornstarch and water mixture acts as a binder to coat the apples and rutabaga, helping create a cohesive gratin texture.
Can I substitute the dried savory?
Yes, if you do not have dried savory, you can use dried thyme as a substitute.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
How long does the gratin bake initially?
The mixture should be covered with foil and baked for an initial 20 minutes.
What goes into the breadcrumb topping?
The topping is made by tossing coarse fresh breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and melted butter together.
How long is the second baking stage?
After adding the topping, bake the dish uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I get a golden, crispy top?
Broil the dish for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Is this recipe low in calories?
Yes, this dish contains approximately 40 calories per serving, making it a wholesome option.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 0.8g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are approximately 7.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish provide fiber?
Yes, each serving provides about 1.3g of fiber.
How much protein is in the Savory Rutabaga and Apple Bake?
The dish contains approximately 0.5g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients including seasoning and butter.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch ovenproof dish is recommended for this recipe.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the gratin for larger gatherings.
Do the apples need to be peeled?
Yes, the apples should be peeled before being grated.
Is the parsley used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 tablespoon of dried parsley for the breadcrumb topping.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
What is the texture of the finished rutabaga?
The rutabaga should be completely tender after the full baking cycle.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While dried are specified, fresh savory or thyme can be used, though you may need to adjust the quantities.
Should the breadcrumbs be fine or coarse?
The recipe recommends coarse fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
What is the prep time for the rutabaga?
Prep involves peeling, slicing, and a 10-minute boil before baking.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a good dish for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a comforting winter dish perfect for cold evenings.