Little House on the Prairie: Fried Turnips and Sautéed Greens

Little House recipe #6 - Fried Turnips and Sautéed Greens

There are many mentions to turnips throughout all of the Little House books. In Little House in the Big Woods, when Laura is describing the myriad vegetables and fruits the family must store away for the winter, turnips make up a large portion of the cached bounty.

“Now the potatoes and carrots, the beets and turnips and cabbages were gathered and stored in the cellar, for freezing nights had come.” - Little House in the Big Woods, Chapter 1

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In the second chapter of Farmer Boy, Almanzo devours mashed turnips in addition to many other goodies piled high on the dinner table:

“He demolished a tall heap of pale mashed turnips, and a hill of stewed yellow pumpkin. Then he sighed and tucked his napkin deeper into the neckband of his red waist. He ate plum preserves and strawberry jam, and grape jelly, and spiced watermelon-rind pickles. He felt very comfortable inside. Slowly he ate a large piece of pumpkin pie.” - Farmer Boy, Chapter 2: Winter Evening

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In book 3, Little House on the Prairie, Mary and Laura help Ma plant the vegetable garden, which of course must include turnips!

“With the hoe Ma dug small holes in the matted grass roots that the plow had turned up, and Laura and Mary carefully dropped seeds. Then Ma covered them snugly with earth. They planted onions and carrots and peas and beans and turnips. And they were so happy because spring had come, and pretty soon they would have vegetables to eat.” - Little House on the Prairie, Chapter 25, Soldiers

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For the Fried Turnips:

Ingredients

• 1 pound turnips, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp vegan butter (I used Miyoko’s)

• 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves

• 1/2 tsp salt (+ more to taste)

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1 tsp. brown sugar

• 1/2 package vegan “bacon” (I used Sweet Earth brand Benevolent Bacon)

  • IF YOU CANNOT FIND VEGAN BACON: sub 1/4 tsp. liquid smoke + 1 tsp. soy sauce

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (I used panko)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When butter melts, add vegan “bacon” (IF USING! IF NOT: add liquid smoke/soy sauce), turnips, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook on medium-high, stirring/flipping turnips every few minutes until turnips are browned on each side.

3. Stir in brown sugar, and continue to cook over medium-high for about 2 minutes - stirring to avoid sticking.

4. Add 1/3 cup water to the pan and scrape bottom with wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover, and let cook 20 min or until turnips are fork tender.

5. Take off cover and cook any remaining liquid off, over medium-high heat. Further season with salt, if desired.

6. In a medium-large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and contents of skillet. Toss until turnips are well-coated.

7. Serve hot alongside turnip greens (recipe below), and enjoy!

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For the Sautéed Greens:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch turnip greens (or collard greens if making this recipe sans turnips!)

• 2 Tbsp vegan butter

• 1/2 package vegan “bacon” (I used Sweet Earth brand Benevolent Bacon)

  • IF YOU CANNOT FIND VEGAN BACON: sub 1/4 tsp. liquid smoke + 1 tsp. soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 tsp. salt (+/- to taste)

• 1/4 tsp. pepper (+/- to taste)

• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika (or regular paprika if you don’t have smoked)

• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar

• 2 tsp. lemon juice

• 1 tsp. lemon zest

Instructions

1. Heat butter over medium-high heat. When butter melts, add vegan “bacon” (IF USING! IF NOT: add liquid smoke/soy sauce), garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper.

2. When garlic has begun to turn light golden-brown, add greens and stir/toss well to coat with butter/spices.

3. Continue to cook, stirring/tossing frequently with tongs to prevent sticking/burning.

4. Add vinegar, brown sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice and stir well to coat.

5. Cover with lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the greens steam for 15 min (stirring every 5 min or so to prevent sticking) until tender. If you notice the greens sticking/burning, add a little water to the pan to de-glaze.

6. Serve next to fried turnips (above), and enjoy!

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