Turnip Au Gratin

This recipe is inspired by the Nutritional dimension of wellness.

Nutritional wellness is about eating foods that are high quality and lower in calories. It’s important to eat foods that are enjoyable and healthy at the same time as it allows you to have a better relationship with food. The key to this dimension is to eat in a balanced manner without feeling deprived.

“There’s no getting blood out of a turnip.” - Proverb

Some days can be frustrating when you know you have a taste for a certain recipe, but you don’t have or want to go out to shop for the ingredients. As a health-conscious cook, I try to stay away from too much starch, and therefore avoid white potatoes. However, one day I had such a taste for au gratin potatoes, so I scoured my vegetable drawer in my fridge and found a few turnips I hadn’t used. Then, I located my rarely used mandoline and ended up crafting a version of this delicious dish with less carbs!

Did you know that 1 medium turnip has only 8 grams of carbohydrates? This is a great alternative to our friend, the white potato, which holds 37 grams! Interestingly, people tend to group the turnip as a root vegetable, yet it is not; the turnip is actually a cousin of broccoli, brussels sprout, arugula, and kale. So, don’t turnip your nose at this nutritional powerhouse!

Recipe of the Day: Turnip Au Gratin

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs turnips

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• 1 cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9x9 baking dish.

2. Rinse and peel the turnips. Slice turnips into 1/4 inch thick slices using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor.

3. Arrange 1/3 of the turnips into the prepared baking dish.

4. Combine the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and sprinkle the turnips with 1/3 of the seasoning.

5. Combine the cheeses and sprinkle the turnips with 1/3 of the cheese.

6. Repeat the layers twice more ending with cheese.

7. Pour the cream over the top of the mixture.

8. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and continue baking for 20 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the turnips are tender.

10. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!