Japanese Turnips with Maple-Miso Butter
Thomas J. Story
Mona Johnson, co-owner of Tournant catering in Portland, Oregon, created this dish for a Thanksgiving dinner. She cooked mild white Japanese turnips (Tokyo or Hakurei varieties) in white miso and butter for savory richness, and added a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. If you can't find Japanese turnips, use a combination of small radishes and mustard greens--regular turnips are too strong for this delicate dish.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Mix butter and miso.
Step 2
2
Cut turnips from their greens, leaving a bit of stem attached; then trim roots. Leave smallest turnips whole; cut larger turnips into halves or quarters. Slice greens (including stems) crosswise into 1-in. pieces.
Step 3
3
Put turnips in a 6- to 8-qt. pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat over medium-high heat, covered (they should release quite a bit of liquid; if they're on the dry side, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water). Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 5 minutes more.
Step 4
4
Add turnip greens, cover, and cook until greens are just wilted, about 4 minutes. Uncover and cook until both greens and turnips are nearly tender, about 2 minutes.
Step 5
5
Stir in miso butter and maple syrup, then cook, uncovered and stirring often, over medium-high heat until everything is well incorporated, and greens and turnips are tender, 5 minutes. Transfer to a deep platter or large bowl and drizzle broth around turnips.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons mild white miso, such as shiro or chickpea*
3 pounds small (1 to 2 in. diameter) Japanese turnips (aka Tokyo or Hakurei turnips) with their greens
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions
Step 1
1
Mix butter and miso.
Step 2
2
Cut turnips from their greens, leaving a bit of stem attached; then trim roots. Leave smallest turnips whole; cut larger turnips into halves or quarters. Slice greens (including stems) crosswise into 1-in. pieces.
Step 3
3
Put turnips in a 6- to 8-qt. pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat over medium-high heat, covered (they should release quite a bit of liquid; if they're on the dry side, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water). Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 5 minutes more.
Step 4
4
Add turnip greens, cover, and cook until greens are just wilted, about 4 minutes. Uncover and cook until both greens and turnips are nearly tender, about 2 minutes.
Step 5
5
Stir in miso butter and maple syrup, then cook, uncovered and stirring often, over medium-high heat until everything is well incorporated, and greens and turnips are tender, 5 minutes. Transfer to a deep platter or large bowl and drizzle broth around turnips.
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