Turnip Curry
Turnip Curry
5 from 14 votes
Experience a unique blend of rustic flavours with the ever-delightful Turnip Curry, a culinary gem hailing from the heartlands of Punjab, India. A tantalising dish that would make your taste buds dance in delight.
Turnip Curry

Originating from the heart of South Asian cuisine, turnip curry is a savory delight that brings together the earthy flavors of turnips with a blend of aromatic spices.

This dish offers a delightful twist to your regular curry repertoire, adding a unique texture and taste that’s sure to please your taste buds.

While the thought of cooking curry might seem daunting to some, fear not! This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible even to beginners in the kitchen.

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be whipping up a delicious turnip curry in no time.

Traditionally served with homemade naan or chapatti, this dish is a wholesome meal that’s perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions.

Expert Tip: Pay attention to the consistency of the curry as it cooks. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.

Ingredients

Turnip (Shalgam): Turnips add a unique earthy flavor and hearty texture to the curry. They soak up the spices and develop a delicious taste as they cook.

Oil: Oil serves as the cooking medium and helps to sauté the onions and spices, adding richness to the curry.

Onions: Onions provide a sweet and savory base for the curry, enhancing its depth of flavor.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the curry, balancing out the flavors of the spices.

Ginger Paste: Ginger paste adds a warm, spicy flavor and aroma to the curry, complementing the other spices.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste contributes a pungent, savory flavor to the curry, enhancing its overall taste.

Green Chillies: Green chillies provide heat and a fresh, vibrant flavor to the curry, adding a kick of spice.

Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the ingredients and helps to balance the overall taste of the curry.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder adds heat and depth of flavor to the curry, giving it a rich and spicy taste.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Turmeric powder adds a vibrant yellow color to the curry and imparts a warm, earthy flavor.

Coriander: Fresh coriander adds a burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor to the curry, elevating its taste.

Expert Tip: Be mindful not to overcook the turnips, as they can become mushy if cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

  • Homemade Naan or Chapatti: Serve your delicious turnip curry with homemade naan or chapatti for a complete and satisfying meal. The soft and fluffy texture of naan or the thin and crispy texture of chapatti pairs perfectly with the hearty curry, allowing you to soak up every last bit of flavor.
  • Steamed Rice: Alternatively, you can serve turnip curry with steamed rice for a comforting and wholesome meal. The fluffy rice provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the curry to shine, creating a delightful combination that’s both filling and nutritious.
  • Side Salad: For a refreshing accompaniment, serve a side salad alongside your turnip curry. A simple salad of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions dressed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of salt adds a burst of freshness and crunch to your meal, balancing out the richness of the curry.
  • Yogurt Raita: Cool things down with a side of yogurt raita. Made with yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt, raita provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy heat of the curry, making it the perfect accompaniment to balance out the flavors.
  • Garnish with Fresh Coriander: Before serving, garnish your turnip curry with a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander. Not only does it add a pop of color to the dish, but it also enhances the flavor with its vibrant and herbaceous taste, elevating your curry to new heights of deliciousness.

Expert Tip: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your preference. If you like your curry spicier, add more chilli powder or green chillies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook turnip curry?

Turnip curry typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook from start to finish. This includes preparation time for chopping the vegetables and cooking time for simmering the curry until the turnips are tender.

Can I use other vegetables instead of turnips?

While turnips are traditional for this curry, you can certainly experiment with other vegetables if you prefer. Potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, or even mixed vegetables can be used as substitutes or additions to customize the dish to your taste.

Is turnip curry spicy?

The level of spiciness in turnip curry can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of green chillies or chilli powder. Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can increase the amount of spices or add additional chillies.

Can I make turnip curry ahead of time?

Yes, turnip curry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors often develop and intensify after sitting, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can I freeze turnip curry?

Yes, turnip curry can be frozen for longer-term storage. Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the curry overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

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Turnip Curry

Turnip Curry (Shalgam Recipe)

by Nabeela Kauser
This is a must-try turnip curry recipe if you've never had one before! Turnip curry is a flavour-packed dish made with fresh turnip cubes and aromatic herbs and spices that is sure to please your guests.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 206 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Turnip Shalgam
  • 50 ml Oil
  • 1 Onions
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Ginger Paste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Paste
  • 1 Green Chillies
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • Coriander Handful
  • 50 ml Water

Instructions

  • Add the oil and heat it up on medium heat
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are softened
  • Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes
  • Then add the tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat
  • When the tomatoes are softened, you can add the salt, green chillies, chilli powder, turmeric, and cumin powder
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes and then add 3 tbsp water
  • Make sure to cook until the oil separates, this can take a few minutes
  • Once the oil has separated, add the peeled and chopped turnips (shalgam)
  • Make sure to mix the turnips properly with the spices
  • Cover and cook on low medium heat for approximately 30 minutes
  • Make sure to stir occasionally so the curry doesn't stick to the pan 
  • Once the curry is done, mash the turnips until you have reached your desired consistency
  • Add the coriander and mix into the curry
  • Your delicious turnip curry is ready, serve with homemade naan or chapatti!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.05gSodium: 801mgPotassium: 696mgFibre: 6gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 729IUVitamin C: 65mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Cooking, Curry, Food, Recipe, Shalgam, Turnip, Vegan, Vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!

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Cook with Nabeela

Hi, I'm Nabeela!

I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

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