Turnips are an excellent way to add crunch and fiber to your diet. Low in calories and high in Vitamin A, C, K, folate, and calcium, they are very nutritious. Most commonly, people enjoy turnips raw, baked, or boiled like potatoes. Because they are fibrous, people rarely think of them being used in soups. In this guide, we will not only answer the question, can turnips be used in soup. We will discuss:
- What turnips taste like in soup.
- How to properly prepare turnips for use in soups.
- Whether turnips can be used as a substitute for potatoes in soups.
So, Can Turnips Be Used in Soup?
Turnips are excellent in soups. Their own pungent flavor is delicious by itself but truly shines when paired with aromatic seasonings and mixed with other vegetables.
Seasonings that go well with turnips in soups include:
- Cilantro
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Paprika
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Vegetables that make delicious soups with turnips include:
- Carrot
- Onion
- Parsnip
- Potato
- Rutabaga
- Sweet potato
- Zucchini
What do turnips taste like in soup?
Generally, turnips have a flavor that falls halfway between cabbage and radishes with a touch of carrot sweetness. What turnips taste like in soup depends on the turnips age and when it was harvested.
Young turnips, while still aromatic, have a sweet note that underlies the spicy nature of this root vegetable. As turnips get older, they develop a bitter edge and become more fibrous.
The weather can also affect how a turnip will taste. Turnips harvested after the first frost will be sweeter than those pulled in warmer weather.
For soups, it is best to stay with young turnips unless you enjoy bitter tastes.
Do you need to peel turnips for soup?
Peeling the turnips is not an absolute necessity when making soup, but it is advisable in some cases. If you have older turnips, peeling them will deliver a creamier consistency and with less of the mustard side of the family showing through.
If the turnips are nice and young, they can be peeled or just washed—your choice.
How do you cut turnips for soup?
To cut a turnip for most types of soups is a straightforward process.
- Use a medium to large knife to remove the greens from the top and trailing portion of the root.
- If desired, peel the turnip with a vegetable peeler or paring knife. A paring knife is faster, but a peeler is safer.
- Larger turnips can be cut in half and laid smooth side down on a flat surface.
- Cut turnips into thin slices or chunks. For most soups, 1-inch cubes are ideal.
Can I use turnips instead of potatoes in soup?
Yes, you can use turnips instead of potatoes in soups. In fact, turnips are a healthier alternative to spuds in almost any dish. Garlic turnip mash, twice-baked turnips, turnip gratin, and yes, turnip soup are all delicious dishes.
As a bonus, turnips are every bit as filling as potatoes but much lower in carbs. One cup of turnips has only six grams of carbs, while one cup of potatoes has 22 grams.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
