Savory Southern Turnips and Greens
This Savory Southern Turnips and Greens dish showcases the delightful harmony of tender turnip roots and vibrant greens, a staple of southern cuisine. The purplish turnip roots are paired with their lush green tops, both packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a perfect side dish or a hearty addition to your main meal. Often found in southern cafes offering hearty home-cooked meals, this dish is wonderfully complemented by warm cornbread. With its rich yet simple flavors, it is sure to become a family favorite at your dining table.
3-4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turnips
2 lbs (3 to 4 roots, peeled and cubed)
Water
4 cups (for boiling)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Bacon drippings
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Begin by separating the turnip greens from the turnip roots. Thoroughly wash the turnip greens in cold water, rinsing them at least three times to remove any dirt or grit. After washing, trim off any thick stems.
2
Next, peel the turnip roots and cut them into small, even cubes to ensure uniform cooking.
3
In a large pot, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the prepared turnip greens and cubed turnip roots to the pot.
4
Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings to infuse the dish with flavorful richness.
5
Reduce the heat, covering the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately one hour. Check occasionally to ensure it's not boiling too hard.
6
After an hour, remove the greens and roots from heat. Cut the turnip greens into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
7
Serve warm alongside cornbread and enjoy the delightful taste of southern comfort!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Turnips and Greens?
It is a traditional southern dish that combines tender turnip roots with their vibrant green tops for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The ingredients include 2 lbs of turnips (roots and greens), 4 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
How should the turnip greens be prepared?
The greens should be separated from the roots, washed thoroughly in cold water at least three times, and have any thick stems trimmed off.
How many times should I wash the turnip greens?
It is recommended to wash the greens at least three times to ensure all dirt and grit are completely removed.
How should the turnip roots be prepared?
The roots should be peeled and cut into small, even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
How much water is needed to boil the turnips?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water brought to a rolling boil.
What provides the savory richness in this dish?
The addition of 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings provides the signature rich southern flavor.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is added to the pot to enhance the flavor.
How long do the turnips and greens need to simmer?
The dish should simmer for approximately one hour until the roots and greens are tender.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the pot with a lid while the mixture is simmering.
At what point do I cut the greens into smaller pieces?
After simmering for an hour, remove the greens from the heat and cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier serving.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
This dish is best served warm alongside a piece of warm cornbread.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 3 to 4 servings.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Greens.
What kind of turnips should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of turnips, which usually includes 3 to 4 roots along with their green tops.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy vegetable dish packed with flavor and nutrition from both the roots and greens.
What type of cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is a classic example of Southern cuisine.
What is the texture of the turnip roots after cooking?
The turnip roots become tender after simmering for an hour.
Can this be served as a main meal?
While it is a perfect side dish, it can also be a hearty addition to a main meal.
Why is it important to cut the roots into even cubes?
Cutting them into even cubes ensures that all the pieces cook at the same rate.
What temperature should the water be for washing greens?
You should use cold water to wash the turnip greens.
What should I look for while the turnips are simmering?
Check the pot occasionally to ensure the water is not boiling too hard.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 4 main ingredients: turnips, water, salt, and bacon drippings.
What color are the turnip roots used in this dish?
The recipe mentions using purplish turnip roots.
Is this a good recipe for home-cooked meals?
Yes, it is a staple for hearty home-cooked meals and a family favorite.
Where is this dish commonly served?
It is often found in southern cafes that offer home-cooked comfort food.
What should I do with the turnip stems?
Any thick stems should be trimmed off and discarded during the preparation of the greens.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, there is no sugar included in this savory preparation.
How would you describe the flavor profile?
It offers a rich yet simple flavor profile that embodies southern comfort food.