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Rutabagas are biennial root vegetables of the cabbage family. Externally, the product resembles beets and turnips but differs from them in color and texture. The flavor of this vegetable is quite bitter and tart.
However, this gives an interesting aftertaste to the finished dishes. You can use the beneficial properties of rutabaga not only in cooking but also in the treatment of colds and viral diseases.
So, what is the best technology for the preparation of such vegetables?
How to choose rutabaga
When buying rutabagas, choose smooth, hard root vegetables with a small number of tops and fibrous roots.
Do not buy damaged and soft products. Such a vegetable after cooking will be hard, tough, and tasteless. If root vegetables are too light, then inside they can be porous and soft, with a lot of hard fibers, and their taste will be sharp and unattractive.
What does cooked rutabaga taste like?
Rutabaga is a cross between cabbage and turnips. In its raw form, the vegetable more resembles the taste of cabbage, similar in hardness to carrots. In addition to the root, you can also eat the tops raw or cooked.
Use the product on your own or with something else.
Combine the rutabaga with cabbage or add a vegetable to the mashed potatoes. This will give the dish a more interesting and piquant taste.
You should know that professional chefs believe that rutabaga reveals its flavor best in a vegetable stew.
Key benefits of rutabaga
The product is rich in vegetable protein and easily digestible carbohydrates, especially valuable for diabetics. Rutabaga contains a large amount of vitamin C, zinc, and iron.
The mineral substances of the vegetable are almost completely preserved after thermal treatment. But you can also eat root vegetables in the raw form. Rutabaga plays some important roles in the human body:
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Dilutes sputum and removes mucus from the lungs.
- Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular system diseases.
Try to include rutabaga in your diet more often if you have no health contraindications. Such a product is a whole storehouse of vitamins and minerals.
Who can’t eat rutabaga?
First of all, experts do not recommend eating rutabaga for allergy sufferers and people with gastrointestinal diseases. If you are not sure that you have such a disease, try gradually introducing vegetables into your diet and observe the reaction of the body.
Do not use it during the period of exacerbation of gastritis and colitis. Excessive use of the vegetable can also contribute to gas formation and bloating.
In other cases, rutabaga root will not harm you, but on the contrary, it will fill your body with beneficial substances.
Are rutabagas healthier than potatoes?
Rutabaga and potatoes can be great additions to your dishes. Of course, rutabaga root or rutabaga puree will be much more useful. The energy value per 100 g of vegetable is 37-38 calories – this is half as much as in potatoes.
Sweet potatoes will be even more beneficial. Rutabaga is inferior in the number of valuable substances. These three vegetables have some specific vitamins and minerals of their own. Rutabaga, for example, is best eaten raw. Combine and alternate them to get the maximum benefit for your body.
Do you peel rutabaga before cooking?
Rutabaga, like all root crops, grows in the soil. Before cooking, be sure to clean it from the ground.
Rutabaga skin is rather hard, so before you take a vegetable peeler and remove the skin, boil the product for a few minutes or send it to the microwave. Cut off part of the stem and root with a knife to make rutabaga more stable.
Otherwise, cleaning will become a real torment for you. You can also cook vegetables with the skin. To do that, pre-rinse them and clean them from dirt. It all depends on your taste preferences.
Can you eat rutabaga peel?
If you grow rutabaga in the garden, then you can eat it with the peel. Rinse the vegetable well from the ground and grate the raw, unpeeled product. So you can get the maximum benefit for the body.
Also, be sure to peel the purchased rutabaga. Sellers in the grocery store rub the skin with wax to preserve it longer. This wax contains toxic substances and chemicals harmful to the body.
What is good to serve with rutabagas?
Adding in vegetable stew helps rutabaga to reveal its taste better. Serve the sweet baked product with chicken and lemon juice. Experiment with flavors and try a great combination of vegetables with salted bacon.
You can serve mashed potatoes and rutabagas with beef, lamb, and pork. Prepare chips from this wonderful vegetable, add salt and parmesan to them. This snack will be an excellent alternative to potato chips and will be several times more beneficial
Rutabaga VS turnip
Rutabaga and turnips are vegetables from the same family. For all their external similarity, they have quite visible contrast. The general differences are as follows:
- Appearance and size. Rutabaga is more like sugar beet. It has a dark orange flesh, closer to the color of carrots.
- Taste. Unlike turnips, rutabaga has a sweeter taste and practically does not taste bitter.
- The content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in these two vegetables is almost the same.
- Chemical composition. Turnips contain more calcium and have vitamin A, absent in rutabaga. The product also has a lot of succinic acids and sugar.
How to cook rutabagas and cabbage
The best way to cook rutabaga and cabbage is to make a vegetable stew. You can limit yourself to these products only and not use additional ingredients.
However, your dish will taste better if you add carrots, cauliflower, and young green peas. Slice the rutabaga and the rest of the vegetables into large pieces. To do this, you can use a food processor.
Simmer the vegetables in a bowl with a thick bottom for an hour or an hour and a half, depending on the amount. Add salt and black pepper or any of your favorite spices. You can serve the stew as an independent meal with sour cream or other sauce. Or use it as a side dish to meat or fish.
Best way to cook rutabaga
As for me, the best method to cook vegetables is baking in the oven. Rutabaga is no exception. This method of cooking will preserve the maximum amount of nutrients and vitamins in the vegetable. T
o do this, you will need 3-5 rutabagas, salt, and butter. Wash the vegetable well from the ground. Do not peel and bake in the oven over low heat for 3 hours. Check the products for readiness: piercing with a fork should be easy for you.
Remove rutabagas from the oven and peel. Offer salt and butter separately. You can replace this oil with any other that you like most to taste. Surprise your family with this dish, everyone will definitely like it!
How to cook rutabagas southern style
We can boil the rutabaga, grill it, or fry. The recipe and method of preparation depend on your taste preferences. Make southern-style rutabaga for a family dinner or surprise your guests with this dish. To do this, you will need a little time and the following ingredients:
- rutabaga – 3-4 fruits
- salted pork – 400 grams
- sugar – 1 teaspoon
- salt – ½ teaspoon
- black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Cooking technology:
- Rinse the salted pork under running water.
- Peel and cut rutabaga into small cubes.
- Add three cups of water to the saucepan. Mix the rutabaga, meat, sugar, and spices.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 35-40 minutes without a lid.
- Drain the water, remove the pork and discard.
- Make mashed rutabaga and serve to the table.
You can add your favorite spices. Don’t limit yourself. Try new combinations and flavors, experiment, and look for your perfect taste of rutabaga puree.
Roasted rutabaga recipe
This method of cooking gives the rutabaga a naturally sweet taste.
This is a very easy way to cook a root vegetable. It does not require much time and will be a great side dish for your dinner. Serve the rutabaga with pork or beef. Prepare the necessary ingredients:
- rutabaga – 3 pieces
- olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- chopped parsley – 1 tablespoon
- salt and black pepper – to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 425 F.
- Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet, brush with a small amount of oil.
- Rinse the rutabaga, peel, and cut into a small cube. Blot the paper towel.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped vegetables, spices, and oil.
- Spread the root vegetable in one layer and bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle the finished product with parsley and serve.
Grilled rutabaga recipe
Many people underestimate rutabaga and consider its taste ordinary. The recipe for this grilled vegetable will be ideal for those who are just discovering this product. Prepare all the ingredients:
- rutabaga – 5 pieces
- olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- salt, pepper, and spices – to taste
Step-by-step cooking technology:
- Peel the rutabaga and cut into thick, even rings.
- Grease the grill grate with olive oil.
- Roll the vegetable pieces in oil and spices.
- Place on the grill and cook for 30-45 minutes on low heat.
- Remove from the heat and serve.
Easy mashed rutabaga recipe
Rutabaga is a nutritious vegetable. It contains a lot of beneficial substances and vitamins. Rutabaga puree can be a good alternative to mashed potatoes.
You can also combine these two products, as they complement each other perfectly. Prepare the ingredients:
- rutabaga – 3 pieces
- butter – 6 grams
- salt and pepper – to taste
Preparation:
- Peel the rutabaga and cut it into small cubes.
- Prepare a pot of water. Add the chopped vegetable.
- Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and cook for 25-30 minutes under the lid.
- Drain the water, leave a little if you want to dilute the puree. Use a potato masher, add butter and soften the dish.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve with meat or vegetable salad.
Brown sugar roasted rutabaga recipe
You can prepare rutabaga using honey or brown sugar. Also pour it with maple syrup and then get an interesting dessert from an unexpected vegetable.
Surprise your guests and your loved ones with it. Prepare the main ingredients:
- rutabaga – 3 pounds
- olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- butter – 70 grams
- brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- ground thyme – 1 tablespoon
- salt and pepper – to taste
Cooking technology:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Peel and cut the rutabaga into 1-inch cubes.
- Mix with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place in a large frying pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until soft and golden brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven, add butter and brown sugar to it, stir until the rutabaga is covered. Return to the oven for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
Rutabaga is a healthy and inexpensive vegetable. According to nutrition facts, it has a lot of minerals and vitamins. This product is a good alternative to potatoes and you can combine it with many other vegetables.
Rutabaga can be a good side dish for any feast. Prepare it in the most suitable way for yourself: bake in the oven, grill, or just boil with bay leaf and salt. Make a puree of rutabaga and sweet potatoes.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and surprise your friends and loved ones!