Transform your side dish game with this creamy mashed rutabaga recipe. Blending the earthy flavor of rutabaga with the sweetness of carrot, this dish is a delightful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for any meal and easy to prepare, it promises a unique taste experience.
Photos of Mashed Rutabaga Recipe
While rutabaga might not be a regular in your pantry, it’s worth seeking out for its distinct flavor and nutritional benefits. Often found near root vegetables in the supermarket, rutabaga looks like a large, purple-topped turnip. Make sure to grab some heavy cream if you don’t usually keep it on hand, as it adds richness to the dish.
Ingredients For Mashed Rutabaga Recipe
rutabaga: A root vegetable with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Often used in stews and mashes.
carrot: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture and enhances the flavor.
heavy cream: Adds a luscious, smooth consistency to the mash.
salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.
One reader, Demeter Finney says:
This mashed rutabaga recipe is a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. The combination of rutabaga and carrot creates a unique, slightly sweet flavor. The butter and heavy cream make it incredibly creamy and rich. Perfect side dish for any meal!
Techniques for Perfecting Mashed Rutabaga
Yes.
How to peel and chop rutabaga: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then cut the rutabaga into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. How to peel and chop carrots: Peel the carrots with a vegetable peeler and chop them into small, even pieces. How to mash vegetables: Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the cooked rutabaga and carrots until smooth. How to warm heavy cream: Heat the heavy cream gently in a small saucepan over low heat until warm, but not boiling.
How To Make Mashed Rutabaga
Switch up your usual Holiday side dish with our healthy and delicious Mashed Rutabaga Recipe, a great substitute for mashed potatoes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3lbsrutabagapeeled and cubed
- 2carrotpeeled and chunked
- ¼ cupbuttermelted
- ⅓ cupheavy creamwarmed
- saltto taste
- pepperto taste
Equipments
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Potato masher or hand mixer
Instructions
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Combine rutabaga and carrot in a pot of cold salted water.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until fork tender for about 15 minutes.
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Drain well and mash rutabaga with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth. Add the melted butter.
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Stir in warmed heavy cream a little bit at a time to reach the desired consistency.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2522.78kcal
- Fat: 272.55g
- Saturated Fat: 171.50g
- Trans Fat: 7.44g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 73.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.36g
- Carbohydrates: 24.15g
- Fiber: 4.83g
- Sugar: 15.10g
- Protein: 8.99g
- Cholesterol: 814.11mg
- Sodium: 1516.91mg
- Calcium: 296.85mg
- Potassium: 826.79mg
- Iron: 1.11mg
- Vitamin A: 2658.72µg
- Vitamin C: 44.85mg
Expert Technique Tip for Mashed Rutabaga Recipe
When mashing rutabaga and carrot, ensure they are well-drained to avoid a watery consistency. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, start mashing while they are still hot for a smoother texture. Adding the butter first helps to coat the vegetables and enhances the flavor. Gradually incorporate the warmed heavy cream to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper at the end to adjust the taste to your preference.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Mashed Rutabaga Recipe
Pre-cut vegetables: Peel and chop the rutabaga and carrot in advance to save time on prep day.
Use a food processor: Instead of mashing by hand, use a food processor to achieve a smoother consistency faster.
Boil water first: Start with boiling water instead of cold to reduce cooking time.
Microwave option: Microwave the rutabaga and carrot for a few minutes before boiling to speed up the process.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for quick reheating later.
Substitute Ingredients For Mashed Rutabaga Recipe
rutabaga - Substitute with turnips: Turnips have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor when cooked, making them a good alternative to rutabaga.
rutabaga - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips offer a sweet and earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the recipe.
carrot - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a similar sweetness and texture, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
carrot - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a rich, smooth texture and a slightly fruity flavor, making it a healthier alternative to butter.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a nutty flavor and high smoke point, providing a similar richness to butter.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk offers a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
heavy cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy consistency and tangy flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick, providing a different but complementary heat to the dish.
Presenting Your Mashed Rutabaga Dish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the mashed rutabaga in a small, elegant mound using a ring mold to give it a refined shape.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Add texture: Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or crispy shallots on top for a contrasting crunch.
Plate on a stylish dish: Use a sleek, modern plate with a wide rim to frame the mashed rutabaga beautifully.
Drizzle with a finishing touch: Lightly drizzle some truffle oil or herb-infused olive oil around the plate for an aromatic and luxurious finish.
Balance with color: Add a small side of blanched green beans or roasted cherry tomatoes to introduce vibrant colors and balance the dish visually.
Use microgreens: Top the mashed rutabaga with a few delicate microgreens for an elegant and sophisticated touch.
Create height: Stack a few thin slices of roasted carrot on top of the mashed rutabaga to add height and visual interest.
Incorporate a sauce: Add a small pool of beurre blanc or herb cream sauce on the side to complement the flavors and add a touch of luxury.
Finish with a dusting: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of smoked paprika or nutmeg for a subtle hint of spice and an appealing visual effect.
Storing and Freezing Your Mashed Rutabaga
Let the mashed rutabaga cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the mash watery.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled mashed rutabaga to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the mashed rutabaga. Divide it into portion-sized amounts and pack into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible.
Label the containers or bags with the date and amount. Mashed rutabaga can be frozen for up to 6 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen mashed rutabaga in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little butter, cream, or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Alternatively, you can reheat mashed rutabaga in the microwave. Transfer the thawed mash to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
If you have added any toppings or mix-ins to your mashed rutabaga, such as bacon, cheese, or herbs, it's best to add these after reheating the mash.
How To Reheat Leftover Mashed Rutabaga
- Reheat mashed rutabaga in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- Place leftover mashed rutabaga in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed rutabaga to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
- For a crispy twist, shape cold mashed rutabaga into patties and pan-fry them in a small amount of butter or oil until golden brown and heated through.
- Create a shepherd's pie by layering leftover mashed rutabaga over a filling of cooked ground meat and vegetables. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Fascinating Facts About Mashed Rutabaga
A fun fact about this mashed rutabaga recipe is that rutabagas are a cross between cabbage and turnips. They are rich in vitamin C and fiber, making them a nutritious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Is Making Mashed Rutabaga at Home Cost-Effective?
This mashed rutabaga recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, rutabaga and carrot, are inexpensive and widely available. Butter and heavy cream add a touch of richness without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Mashed Rutabaga Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mashed rutabaga recipe, while offering some nutritional benefits, could be considered somewhat unhealthy due to the high amount of saturated fat from the butter and heavy cream. Rutabagas and carrots are excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. However, the addition of butter and heavy cream significantly increases the calorie and fat content of the dish, which may not be ideal for those watching their calorie intake or trying to maintain a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or a small amount of coconut oil
- Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat option such as milk, yogurt, or a plant-based alternative like almond milk
- Increase the proportion of carrots to rutabagas to boost the overall nutrient content and natural sweetness of the dish
- Add herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, or nutmeg to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat
- Serve the mashed rutabaga as a side dish alongside lean proteins and other nutrient-dense vegetables to create a well-rounded meal
Our Editor's Take on This Mashed Rutabaga Recipe
This mashed rutabaga recipe is a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, offering a unique, slightly sweet flavor profile. The addition of carrots not only enhances the color but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the rutabaga. The use of heavy cream and butter ensures a rich, creamy texture, while seasoning with salt and pepper allows the natural flavors to shine. For an extra touch, consider adding a hint of nutmeg or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Overall, it's a comforting and nutritious side dish that's perfect for any meal.
Enhance Your Mashed Rutabaga Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Mashed Rutabaga
Why trust this Mashed Rutabaga Recipe:
This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of rutabaga and carrot with the richness of butter and heavy cream. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that is both comforting and nutritious. The simple instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve a smooth, delicious mash. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and straightforward preparation.
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