While rutabaga has been popular in Northern Europe for centuries, most North Americans have never tried it. In fact, it wasn’t until I met my wife that I even heard of it. However, after trying it once I was hooked. We now enjoy this flavorful side at holiday gatherings throughout the year.
Table of Contents
What is Rutabaga
Rutabagas are root vegetables similar to turnips and are especially popular in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. You can eat them raw or cooked. My family prepares them similar to how you would a mashed potatoes and eats them smothered in gravy. When asked what rutabagas taste like, I describe them as a healthier version of mashed potatoes with a more rich flavor.
While often overlooked, you can find rutabagas in most large grocery stores across the US.
How to Cook Rutabaga
My favorite way to enjoy rutabagas is to peel and cut them into cubes, boil, combine a generous serving of butter, season with salt and pepper, and mash them until they are the consistency of mashed potatoes. I then finish with and immersion blender to get them nice and creamy. Below we show you how to prepare mashed rutabaga step-by-step:
1. Peel the waxy skin from the rutabagas with a vegetable peeler.
2. Then cut the rutabaga’s into medium sized cubes (around 1 inch or 2 cm), and add to a large pot.
3. Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the rutabaga cubes by about an inch (2 cm) or so of water. Then add 1 tablespoon of salt and stir into the water until dissolved.
4. Then place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil on high heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for around 30 minutes, or until fork tender.
6. Strain the rutabaga’s in a colander and place in a large mixing bowl.
7. Add the butter along with one teaspoon of salt and pepper to the rutabagas. Then mash with a masher, mixing the butter, salt, and pepper into the rutabagas.
8. After using a masher, I then like to use an immersion blender to make the rutabagas nice and creamy.
9. Add salt and pepper to taste, serve, and enjoy!
Rutabaga Recipe
Rutabaga Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pot for boiling the rutabaga
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Vegetable peeler
Ingredients
- 2 Rutabagas
- 1 Stick Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Peel the waxy skin from the rutabagas with a vegetable peeler.
- Then cut the rutabaga's into medium sized cubes (around 1 inch or 2 cm), and add to a large pot.
- Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the rutabaga cubes by about an inch (2 cm) or so of water. Then add 1 tablespoon of salt and stir into the water until dissolved.
- Then place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil on high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for around 30 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Strain the rutabaga's in a colander and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the butter along with one teaspoon of salt and pepper to the rutabagas. Then mash with a masher, mixing the butter, salt, and pepper into the rutabagas.
- After using a masher, I then like to use an immersion blender to make the rutabagas nice and creamy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, serve, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rutabaga healthy for you?
Yes. Rutabagas are high in fiber and vitamins and low in carbs. Rutabagas can be a great low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes.
Are rutabagas gluten-free?
Yes. Rutabagas themselves are gluten-free and none of the common ingredients added when preparing them contain gluten.
What do rutabagas taste like?
When eaten raw, rutabagas have a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. However, when cooked, mashed, and combined with salt, pepper, and butter, I think they taste like a richer version of mashed potatoes.
Final Thoughts on Rutabagas
A staple at my family’s holiday table, rutabagas are a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal. Give them a try and you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!
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