20 swede recipes

Looking for swede recipes? Want the best vegetarian side dishes for Sunday roast? We have plenty of comforting recipes for this root veg in the colder months. Try our ideas below, then try our leftover veg recipes, celeriac recipes and parsnip recipes.

What is swede?

Developed in Sweden in the 17th century, a swede is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip.

When is swede in season?

UK swede season starts in October and ends in February.

How to store swede

Store them in a brown paper bag in the fridge to keep them fresh for at least a week.

Health benefits of swede

Our nutritionist, Tracey Raye, says, "Swede, also referred to as rutabaga or Swedish turnip, is a type of root vegetable that belongs to the brassica genus of plants (also known as the cruciferous family). Swede is an extremely nutritious vegetable, providing a great source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and E. Similar to its cruciferous cousins kale and cabbage, swede is also naturally high in insoluble fibre which not only promotes healthy bowel movements, but feeds your beneficial bacteria, thus supporting your broader gut health."

Easy swede recipes

Curried swede soup

Use up a glut of swede in this warming vegan soup, made creamy with coconut milk. Best served with baked crusty bread.

Gruyère and swede gratin

This gruyère and swede gratin is really simple to make and is a great, comforting, gluten-free side.

Cumin spiced swede and gouda pasties

These vegetarian swede and gouda pasties are packed with spiced vegetables, fragrant cumin and creamy cheese for a comforting twist on a classic. With golden pastry and a straightforward method, they’re perfect for a warming lunch or easy dinner.

Winter veg tian

Impress friends and family over the Christmas season with our stunning vegetable tian recipe. We love the look of golden and candy beetroots, but if you can’t find them, simply replace with extra purple beetroots, celeriac and swede.

Venison steaks with caraway crushed swede

Pair venison steaks with buttery crushed swede in this winter warmer – it will be ready and on the table in less than an hour.

Teriyaki swede bowls

Swede is a great carrier for strong flavours – the slightly sweet edge it takes on when roasted pairs well with teriyaki sauce.

Gochujang swede noodles

Roast cubes of swede in a sweet and salty gochujang dressing for a moreish, simple midweek noodle dish.

Neeps and tatties

Mash swede with potatoes and butter to make these neeps and tatties. This regional side dish can accompany a variety of meals – mince, roast chicken, even Christmas dinner!

Mulligatawny soup

This comforting soup brings together hearty winter veg, earthy swede and sweet carrots, with tender chicken and a warming mix of ginger, garlic and curry powder. It’s fragrant, filling and just the thing for a cold day.

Vegan wellington

Our giant wellington makes an impressive centrepiece, packed with roasted red peppers, cooked beetroot and kale. Topped with a vegan stuffing of grated swede, puy lentils and apple, it's mixed with crunchy hazelnuts and gently spiced with nutmeg and thyme.

Parmesan and rosemary swede

This moreish swede side dish is a healthy alternative to chips, and we think they're tastier too! Topped with parmesan and rosemary they are ideal served with fish.

Mustard-crusted pork with carrot and swede mash

This mustard-crusted pork with carrot and swede mash is an easy, healthy way to feed the family.

Classic Cornish pasties

A true Cornish pasty will only contain onion, swede, potato and skirt steak. Make sure you season the filling really well with pepper to get the characteristic flavour.

Lamb hotpot with swede topping

Our hotpot recipe is quite soupy, the gravy produced is broth-like and there should be plenty to spoon over each serving. Topping with swede instead of potato makes for a delicious twist on this British classic.

Irish stew

Try this warming one-pot of lamb shoulder slow-cooked in stout with swede and potatoes for a wholesome family meal.

Swede, kale and sweet potato gratin

This creamy gratin is the perfect side dish or veggie main for the colder months. It takes a little time but is really easy to make.

Honey, cumin and swede singaras

Swede, combined with honey and cumin, has just the right texture for filling these north Indian snacks. They pair perfectly with fresh coriander chutney.

Haggis with swede

You can’t have a Burn's Night celebration without roast haggis. Luckily, you can buy haggis ready-made, but do try and make the accompaniment, roast swede or neeps (turnips). Serve with a shot of whisky.

Lamb and roots stew with herb dumplings

Stew and dumplings: best-ever comfort food. This recipe uses lamb, parsnips, swede and carrots for a filling and good-value family one pot. Homemade dumplings make all the difference.

Swede and bacon pies

Winter roots like swede and carrot make a lovely pie filling combined with crisp bacon and topped with creamy mash. The high veg content in this recipe makes a good contribution to your 5-a-day.