Stuffed Turnips

Stuffed turnip is a simple, tasty dish that is perfect for spring, bringing the season's flavor to your plate. Here’s how you can turn this recipe into a delicacy that will delight all who savor it.

The first step is to choose the right turnips. Look for small, charming bulbs, free from spots or imperfections. Once you have them, wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities. Then, separate the leaves from the bulb, being careful to remove the woody stems. The tender leaves are what you will use for the filling, so blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft. This will help maintain their color and texture.

After the leaves have cooled, move on to preparing the filling mixture. In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion in a little oil until it becomes translucent. Add the minced beef, mix well, and let it cook until it changes color. Incorporate the well-washed rice, and season with salt, pepper, and other preferred spices such as thyme or sweet paprika. Allow everything to cool slightly, then fill the turnips and blanched leaves with this mixture.

Place the stuffed turnips in an ovenproof dish. Between the stuffed turnips, you can add a few slices of carrot or potato to enhance the flavor. Cover everything with a mixture of water and white wine in equal proportions to give the dish a subtle flavor. Add a teaspoon of sugar and a little salt to balance the taste. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about an hour. After 30 minutes, you can remove the foil to allow the turnips to brown slightly.

Once the cooking time is up, take the dish out of the oven and prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix the sour cream with lemon juice and a pinch of starch, dissolving it in the juice left by the stuffed turnips. This sauce will add a fine creaminess to the dish and will enhance the flavors. Pour the sauce over the stuffed turnips and leave the dish in the oven for a few more minutes so that everything blends perfectly.

Serve the stuffed turnips warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, alongside a crispy green salad. This recipe is not only delicious but also an excellent way to enjoy spring vegetables in a unique way. Bon appétit!