
A historical side dish from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). They require from forty minutes to an hour to cook.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Turnips are boiled plain with or without meat
also mashed like potatoes and stewed like parsnips
They should always be served hot
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Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Turnips contain significant amounts of glucosinolates and sulfur compounds that break down during cooking, releasing volatile aromatics. Extended cooking (40-60 minutes) fully gelatinizes the starch granules and softens the cell walls through pectin breakdown, creating a tender texture. Mashing or stewing further disrupts cell structure, releasing natural sugars and creating a creamy consistency similar to potatoes.
Peeled and cut turnips can be stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to prevent oxidation. Change the water once during storage. Cooked turnips can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container; reheat gently with a splash of cooking liquid or butter to restore moisture.
Store cooked turnips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If mashed, they may release some liquid upon storage; drain and stir in fresh butter or cream when reheating. Reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Always serve hot, as the recipe specifies, since turnips develop an unpleasant texture and stronger flavor when cooled.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
Peeled and cut turnips can be stored in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to prevent oxidation. Change the water once during storage. Cooked turnips can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container; reheat gently with a splash of cooking liquid or butter to restore moisture.
Store cooked turnips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If mashed, they may release some liquid upon storage; drain and stir in fresh butter or cream when reheating. Reheat in a covered saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Always serve hot, as the recipe specifies, since turnips develop an unpleasant texture and stronger flavor when cooled.