Instead Of Mashed Potatoes, Whip Up Rutabaga For Deeper, Bolder Flavors (2024)

Annie Johnston

·2 min read

There's no question that mashed potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort dishes. They're warm, buttery, and taste great when served plain and simple or when they're decked out with indulgent toppings. When it comes to their flavor profile, mashed potatoes are a blank canvas. A potato's mild, starchy flavor gives way to a vast array of recipes and ingredients, which is great — when that's what you're going for. But if you're ever feeling like your mashed potatoes are just missing something, you might be someone who would appreciate the deep, bold flavors of rutabaga.

Rutabagas are a root vegetable in the family of turnips and cabbage. Before they're cooked, they can be compared to a bitter, less sweet version of a carrot; but after cooking, they sweeten up and taste similar to potatoes. The main difference in taste is that rutabagas are actually much richer than a potato. In fact, because of the sulfuric aspects of the vegetable, they can be described as having an earthy, pungent, peppery flavor.

Whipped rutabagas are a fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes not only because they're half the carbs and calories and contain four times the amount of fiber, but also because they are just as creamy as a potato when beaten. This especially makes it a great option for people on low-carb or keto diets.

Read more: 23 Types Of Potatoes And When To Use Them

How To Substitute Rutabaga For Potatoes

Instead Of Mashed Potatoes, Whip Up Rutabaga For Deeper, Bolder Flavors (1)

Creating mashed rutabaga is essentially the same as mashing potatoes. You'll start by peeling the rutabaga and cutting it down into cubes. Next, you boil the cubes for about 10 minutes or until they're tender and able to be pierced with a fork. Drain the water from the pot, add in heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper, and simply mash with a potato masher until they reach a consistency of your liking. And that's it — mashed rutabaga is that simple.

Because the rutabaga has such a similar taste and consistency to potatoes, you can enjoy them with all of the same toppings and additives that you prefer on your mashed potatoes like cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, bacon, etc. Moreover, you can add seasonings other than salt and pepper as well. Nutmeg will really complement the earthy, nutty, sweet flavors of the vegetable, while lemon zest and fresh sage can come in and really brighten up the dish. Additionally, mashed rutabagas are a wonderful addition to any cuisine that uses mashed potatoes as a stuffing or filling, such as pierogi or shepherd's pie. If you'd like, you could even combine the two vegetables for an even creamier burst of flavor.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

Instead Of Mashed Potatoes, Whip Up Rutabaga For Deeper, Bolder Flavors (2024)

FAQs

Instead Of Mashed Potatoes, Whip Up Rutabaga For Deeper, Bolder Flavors? ›

Because the rutabaga has such a similar taste and consistency to potatoes, you can enjoy them with all of the same toppings and additives that you prefer on your mashed potatoes like cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, bacon, etc. Moreover, you can add seasonings other than salt and pepper as well.

Is rutabaga better than potatoes? ›

Whipped rutabagas are a fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes not only because they're half the carbs and calories and contain four times the amount of fiber, but also because they are just as creamy as a potato when beaten. This especially makes it a great option for people on low-carb or keto diets.

How do you take the bitterness out of rutabagas? ›

How Do You Get the Bitter Taste Out of Rutabagas? If you find that rutabagas are too bitter for you, add up to a tablespoon of sugar to accentuate the sweetness and stir to combine. This will help to counteract the bitterness.

Can you substitute rutabaga for potatoes? ›

Their flavor is mild and slightly sweet with just a hint of spice. They are a great substitute for potatoes if you are looking to add more depth of flavor to a recipe but want to keep textures the same.

What food has the same texture as mashed potatoes? ›

Parsnip Puree

No one will ever know you cut a few carbs when they taste that same familiar flavor and texture, especially if you use this creamy parsnip puree recipe. It's so close to the “real” thing, even die-hard mashed potato fans will be on board.

Who should not eat rutabaga? ›

Individuals with known sensitivities to cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli should exercise caution when consuming rutabagas. It is crucial for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming rutabaga to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management.

Does mashed rutabaga taste like potatoes? ›

It's sometimes confused with a turnip but is slightly bigger and has a more mellow flavor. It can be used like potatoes but it's less starchy and the flesh has a gold tinge. Its flavor boasts a combination of bitterness and piquant and when cooked, you get a savory note with a hint of sweetness.

What seasoning counteracts bitterness? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

What does boiled rutabaga taste like? ›

Rutabagas are a root vegetable and are a cross between turnips and cabbage. Rutabagas have a slightly bitter flavor and taste like a less-sweet carrot. When cooked, rutabagas become sweeter and taste similar to potatoes.

Are rutabagas anti inflammatory? ›

Rutabagas are a hearty vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They promote feelings of fullness, which can prevent weight gain. Furthermore, they contain powerful compounds that help fight inflammation, prevent premature aging, and are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers.

Is mashed rutabaga healthy? ›

Encourages healthy bowels

A cup of boiled and mashed rutabaga provides 4.32 grams (g) of dietary fiber toward the 14 g of fiber per 1000 calories that the American government recommends people consume. Dietary fiber helps to keep the bowels healthy and can decrease the risk of: constipation. hemorrhoids.

What is the best way to eat rutabaga? ›

They can be eaten raw, but are usually roasted, cooked and mashed (sometimes with potatoes or other root vegetables), and used in casseroles, stews and soups. They are high in vitamin C, a good source of potassium and high in fiber.

Do you peel rutabaga before cooking? ›

The wax and skin of rutabagas must be peeled before cooking. A sharp paring knife is better than a vegetable peeler.

What is the best substitute for mashed potatoes? ›

Swapping to a lower GI option should also make you feel less inclined towards winter hibernation and that post-Sunday lunch snooze.
  • Sweet potato and swede mash. ...
  • Cauliflower mash. ...
  • Carrot and ginger mash. ...
  • Butter bean mash. ...
  • Pea and mint mash. ...
  • Other vegetable mash.
Feb 9, 2023

What is healthier than mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed Turnips

Turnips are another great, low carb alternative to potatoes. They contain ⅓ the amount of regular potatoes while being low in calories and packed full of nutrients such as B6 and folate.

How can I thicken up my mashed potatoes? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

What are the benefits of eating rutabaga? ›

Rutabagas are rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids and vitamins C and E. Antioxidants can help reverse oxidative damage to your cells and prevent chronic health problems. They help you stay healthy by protecting your immune system and organs from free radicals.

Is rutabaga a laxative? ›

Similar to all its cruciferous cousins, rutabagas are naturally very high in fiber. Dietary fiber improves digestion by bulking up the stool and encouraging elimination, so rutabagas can provide natural constipation relief.

Does rutabaga lower blood pressure? ›

Rutabaga Lowers Your Blood Pressure

Rutabaga contains large amounts of potassium, which is essential in preventing unnecessary contraction and blockage of the blood vessels, that can lead to a stroke.

What country eats the most rutabaga? ›

Rutabagas are more popular in regions like Scandinavia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom because they grow better in colder climates. The name “rutabaga” comes from the Swedish word rotabagge, which means “baggy root.” Rutabagas are also commonly referred to as Swedes, Neeps, or Swedish Turnips.

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