Saucy Turnips
Savory turnips cooked with smoky bacon and tender greens, finished with a tangy vinegar sauce—perfect for comforting, hearty meals that highlight fresh, earthy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash turnip greens and roots; cut in half.
- Combine greens, roots, water, and salt in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until greens and roots are tender.
- Drain greens, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid.
- Set aside.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in the skillet.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Saute chopped onions in the bacon drippings.
- Add the cooked greens to the skillet with onions.
- Dissolve flour and sugar in vinegar; stir in the reserved cooking liquid.
- Add the vinegar mixture to the greens, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're short on time, pre-washed turnip greens can save you a step. You can also substitute turnip greens with mustard greens or collard greens for a different taste. Ensure to reserve enough cooking liquid for the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Saucy Turnips as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with a Swiss And Ham Sandwich for a casual meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a refreshing salad like Kay Frick'S Overnight Tossed Salad or a comforting dish like Creamy Ham And Noodle Dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the turnips in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Turnips contains roughly 125 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1191mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or vegetable broth for sautéing the onions. You might also want to add some smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
What can I substitute for turnip greens?
If you can't find turnip greens, you can use other leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, or even kale. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but will still create a delicious dish.
How do I know when the turnip roots are tender?
To check for tenderness, pierce the turnip roots with a fork or knife. If it goes in easily without much resistance, they are done cooking. This usually takes about 1 hour of simmering, but it can vary based on the size of the turnips.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).