12 turnip recipes

What are turnips?

Turnips are creamy white in colour with a lovely purple, red or greenish upper part where the taproot has been exposed to sunlight. Like swedes, turnips are a root vegetable and member of the cabbage family. They’re a good source of vitamin C and, before the arrival of the potato, turnips were one of the main sources of sustenance for the English peasantry.

You’re not imagining it – root veg tastes sweeter in the winter months. And it’s all in the starch. During the growing season turnips, as well as veg such as parsnips and swedes, store up energy in the form of starches, and as the temperature drops, it converts into sugars. This is especially true with carrots, which taste just as good as part of a roast dinner as they do in a cake.

When are turnips in season?

Peak season for baby turnips is June to July. You can buy winter turnips all year round, although peak season is from October to February.

Turnip recipes

Baked fish with roasted turnips, feta and chimichurri

Turnips' mild and peppery taste lend themselves to roasting, bringing out their natural sweetness and pairing excellently with the punchy chimichurri salsa.

Braised chicken with hazelnut and chilli paste with a turnip and wild mushroom bake

Olia Hercules takes the rich, colourful pickings of an autumn harvest and adds an Eastern European twist to create this warming chicken dish.

Turnip and bacon hasselbacks

Make turnips the hero in these indulgent hasselbacks. Use turnips instead of traditional potatoes, stuff with streaky bacon and top with shredded parmesan cheese.

Salt-baked turnips with wholegrain mustard cream

Make veg the star with these impressive salt-baked turnips. Cover the turnips with a salty dough and bake to infuse with flavour. Serve with a rich sauce made from white wine, chicken stock, cream and wholegrain mustard.

Tamworth chop, white beans and turnip tops

Jackson Boxer serves this impressive pork dish at his Hebrides-inspired Notting Hill restaurant, Orasay. Here's how to make it at home for an elegant dinner.

Pork with turnips

The humble turnip gets a starring role in this easy one-pot, pork chop roast with zingy orange and sage flavours. Serve some simple buttered greens on the side for a family meal without the fuss.

Pink pickled turnips

These pink pickled turnips look stunning and make a great, easy-to-make addition to any lunch table or mezze spread.

Pig’s cheeks, turnip purée, pickled cherries

Check out this impressive pig's cheeks recipe with pickled cherries and a creamy turnip purée. This easy recipe comes from Islington restaurant, Linden Stores.

Braised short ribs with turnips

Bring gastro-pub style cooking to your kitchen with these tender beef ribs: slow cooking makes them so good, especially when served with turnips and a side of mash.

Bacon jam-glazed ox cheek, charred cauliflower, turnips & leaves

This recipe for bacon jam-glazed ox cheek with charred cauliflower, turnips & leaves comes from Duck & Waffle and makes a great sophisticated main.

Duck legs with turnips and red wine

Roast duck legs on a bed of turnips and shallots to infuse them with rich, savoury flavour. Turnips are the perfect veg to accompany this elegant roast dinner.

Lamb and turnip summer hotpot

Make brilliant use of turnips by thinly slicing and using as an earthy, slightly sweet topping to this hearty lamb stew.