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Roasted Part 8: Turnip French Fries

in Other, Sides

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Hold onto your hats guys (and when I say guys, I mostly mean gals ;)) because this is going to be a quick one!  I mentioned in last week’s What I Ate Wednesday post that I made turnip french fries to accompany my Fish o’ Filet sandwich (killer, by the way).  And in that post, I promised that I would share more about these delicious substitutes for traditional french fries.

So, how did I come up with this?  Honestly, I have no idea.  I am pretty much obsessed with attempting to roast just about every vegetable (and even some fruits!).  While I was at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago, I saw the turnips and thought to myself, “hmm..what could I do with one of those?”  And then it hit me.  Well, every vegetable tastes good roasted!  When I brought the turnip home and began cutting it up to prepare it for roasting, I realized that I was cutting it into the shape of potato wedges/french fries.  As a result, I named them turnip french fries! 🙂

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Turnip French Fries

Servings: 1

Ingredients

olive oil cooking spray
1 medium turnip, washed and dried
fine sea salt
black pepper
garlic powder
onion powder
chili powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 415 degrees F.  Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.  Set aside.

2. Slice turnip into strips in the form of french fries/potato wedges.  Place the fries onto the baking sheet.

3. Spray the fries with olive oil cooking spray, and sprinkle with seasonings (sorry, I do not measure!).

4. Roast the turnip french fries for approximately 15 minutes.  Remove the fries from the oven, flip them over and add additional olive oil spray and seasonings, as desired.

5. Return the fries to the oven and roast for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

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Serve your Turnip French Fries alongside your favorite condiment.  I generally choose ketchup and/or yellow mustard, but ranch dressing would be fabulous, as well!

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Now these are definitely some french fries that you can feel great about eating.  One medium turnip only contains around 50 calories and is packed full of Vitamin C.  Healthy french fries?  Yes, please!

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{ 119 comments… add one }
  • Tiff June 25, 2013, 7:46 am
    I don't/didn't think I like turnips, but since I've never had them roasted, I think they may deserve another shot!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 9:51 am
      You should definitely try them roasted! I have definitely found several veggies that I like that I did not like, but when I tried them roasted I loved them :).
  • chasingchels June 25, 2013, 7:52 am
    Way to be creative girl :)
  • Her Happy Balance June 25, 2013, 8:00 am
    Have you ever tried scarlet turnips? I'm wondering if I can try this recipe with those. I have a bunch from the CSA and so far all I've done is juice them.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 9:51 am
      I have not! But you should definitely give them a try and let me know how they are! I am intrigued!
  • Marie @ Little Kitchie June 25, 2013, 8:19 am
    I've done parsnip fries before, and they're delicious, but I've never done turnip fries before! I would love to try them!
  • Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie June 25, 2013, 8:50 am
    Yes!! Just bought turnips, can't wait to try!!
  • Alyssa @ Road to RD June 25, 2013, 8:57 am
    This is the recipe I've been waiting for! We got turnips from the CSA every week, and they sit in the fridge and rot because no one knows what to do with them. Our prayers have been answered ;)
  • kelly @ Hidden fruits and veggies June 25, 2013, 9:24 am
    I'm 99% positive I have no idea what a turnip tastes like. All I know is that they're part of the "Stalk" Market on Animal Crossing :) Do they feel/taste like a roasted french fry?
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 9:54 am
      I just recently tried them for the first time because I had no idea how they tasted, either. They are definitely a root vegetable and have a slightly tougher texture than a potato. When seasoned well and dipped in ketchup, they definitely mimic french fries made from potatoes. They have a slightly more tangy taste to them, though.
  • Kelly @ Vegan Iowan June 25, 2013, 9:34 am
    How creative! I bet these have a nice little bite to them.
  • Lucie@FitSwissChick June 25, 2013, 9:46 am
    Healthy French Fries, so Genius!! Everything roasted tastes so much better.
  • Nicole @ FruitnFitness June 25, 2013, 10:04 am
    Oh these sound really good! I don't think I have ever had turnips before but I love roasted root vegetables!
  • blonde hair blue eyed runner June 25, 2013, 10:04 am
    Okay,you always inspire me to try new things. I'm embarrassed to say I've never had a turnip! Now I need to try them, my grocery list always grows after reading your post ha
  • megbek June 25, 2013, 10:07 am
    Are they really good? I'm with blonde hair blue eyed runner, I've never had a turnip either.. And, yes, I want to try it too. I mean, really, can you just create a grocery list for me so I can just buy what you tell me??
  • Anna Smith-James (@AnnaTheApple88) June 25, 2013, 10:11 am
    Do you know I don't think I'v had turnips in YEARS. These sound very tasty! A much more exciting idea than just potatoes.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 11:32 am
      These would be great mixed in with fries made from potatoes, too! Sort of like a "fry medley!" ;)
  • Ashley June 25, 2013, 10:30 am
    I absolutely love this idea! I've had turnips before but never worked with them in my own kitchen - I think I need to give them a try with this!
  • The Cookie ChRUNicles June 25, 2013, 11:20 am
    I have seen this before and need to try it! I too like to roast whatever I can get my hands on.
  • Christine @ Gotta Eat Green June 25, 2013, 11:24 am
    Awesome idea! I love turnips and I am always looking for new ways to cook them!
  • makingthymeforhealth June 25, 2013, 11:28 am
    Oh, I love healthy French fries! I've never tried roasting a turnip (or a radish!) but you are getting me on that track for sure.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 11:33 am
      I am pretty much trying to roast any and all root vegetables. They always turn out super tasty :).
  • Slim Sanity (@Slim_Sanity) June 25, 2013, 11:59 am
    Hmm... I'm actually not sure that I've ever had turnips before!
  • Katherine June 25, 2013, 12:01 pm
    I seriously love turnips and any type of fries for that matter! In Mexico, a lot of people eat raw turnips with spices on them, and they are amazing plain, so I can't imagine how good these fries must be! I'm a huge sweet potato fry fan, but you can't deny how healthy turnips are! I really want to make these!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 1:32 pm
      I would never think to eat turnips raw. I might have to give that a try the next time that I make these!
  • Becky @ Olives n Wine June 25, 2013, 12:11 pm
    So... I have never actually had a turnip before. I'm ashamed of myself!! I'm also all about roasting things right now so I'm going to have to give these "fries" a try! :)
  • Michelle @ Eat Move Balance June 25, 2013, 12:18 pm
    I love turnip fries! I make them all the time in my toaster oven....such a great snack or side dish.
  • jessiebearwhat June 25, 2013, 12:31 pm
    Mmm I love turning veggies into fries ;)
  • Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen June 25, 2013, 12:44 pm
    So clever! I love healthy french fry recipes. I'll definitely be trying these soon!
  • lattesandlaughs June 25, 2013, 1:06 pm
    Yum! I'll be making these for sure.
  • dailycupofkate June 25, 2013, 2:58 pm
    Wow, I never thought to cook turnips into french fries--yum!! Thanks for the recipe :)
  • IHeartVegetables June 25, 2013, 5:02 pm
    So funny story, when my boyfriend and I first started dating, I had gotten a CSA box and was determined to use up all the veggies, meaning one of the first dinners I cooked for us was... turnip cakes. Not exactly the sexiest meal ;) But we're still dating so I guess it worked! haha
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 7:34 pm
      Haha, that is too funny! And now you have got me intrigued!! How did they turn out? Tell me more about them!
  • Alex@Veggin' Out June 25, 2013, 5:10 pm
    Roasted vegetables are so, so good! I share your "I want to try to roast any and every veggie" mindset ;) I've made parsnip fries, but never turnip ones! They sound amazing!
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats June 25, 2013, 6:21 pm
    I don't think I've tried turnips in years but now I definitely want to give these a go they look delicious :)
  • allie@sweetpotatobites June 25, 2013, 7:25 pm
    I have never been the biggest fan of turnips but I think I can get on board with turnip fries! Definitely need to try this out.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 25, 2013, 7:36 pm
      You should definitely try them. I have found that roasting vegetables usually makes them taste 10x better!
  • Angela June 25, 2013, 7:56 pm
    what do turnips taste like? I never had them before :P
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 26, 2013, 7:07 am
      They are hard to describe. They are definitely a root vegetable and taste like it. They have a bit tougher texture than potatoes and are a bit tangier. Try them for yourself!
  • Jeremy DeHague June 25, 2013, 10:16 pm
    These are right up my alley! I love fries....they have to be SUPER crispy though! Ill have to see if I can get these tasty looking treats crispy enough for my liking....good healthy option here!
  • Kare @ Kitchen Treaty June 25, 2013, 10:23 pm
    I received turnips in my last CSA box and I had NO idea what to do with them - wish I would have seen this! I ended up making a middling turnip-carrot soup. Hopefully I will get more this week and can try your fries. Love it.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 26, 2013, 7:07 am
      Turnip-carrot soup sounds delicious! I hope you get some more turnips soon so that you can try these!
  • jessielovestorun June 25, 2013, 10:24 pm
    I always want to run out to the grocery store after your posts. Seriously, you share such great recipes. Please write a book :)
  • Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe June 25, 2013, 11:21 pm
    I love roasted vegetables - can't say I've ever tried roasting turnips though. I'm intrigued!
  • Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome June 25, 2013, 11:23 pm
    I hadn't tried turnips until just this past year and love them roasted! Add a little balsamic or toss them with roasted fennel, yum!
  • Meredith June 26, 2013, 12:14 am
    I love steaming turnip so I can only imagine that these are awesome roasted !
  • ashley June 26, 2013, 12:35 am
    I will ONLY eat vegetables roasted now!! Great idea!
  • The Candid RD June 26, 2013, 5:49 am
    I agree, I love roasting just about anything as well! Brussel sprouts, potatoes, beets, whatever. And turnips? Why not?! I love turnips. My mom seems to bring roasted turnips to every event we attend together, so this is right up her alley too.
  • Julia June 26, 2013, 8:25 am
    Awesome! I've made chips using turnips, beets, sweet potatoes, etc. But never turnip fries. I'm thinking I need to do some roasting!!
  • Sabrina @ Nutritiously Sweet June 26, 2013, 8:42 am
    Oh wow from the picture I totally thought they were real fries! I need to try this!
  • P June 26, 2013, 9:17 am
    What a great way to use an otherwise bland veg!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 26, 2013, 9:31 am
      Yes, I am definitely loving them! I think I might have to make some today for an afternoon snack after work :).
  • Brittany June 26, 2013, 10:11 am
    Say whaaaaaat!?!?!? These look unreal!! Great job once again. I would eat like a million turnip if they were prepared like this!
  • Lisa June 26, 2013, 10:36 am
    I love parsnip fries, but haven't tried turnip fries yet!! Need to pick up some turnips asap!
  • Eating 4 Balance June 26, 2013, 10:48 am
    I use the phrase "guys" too even though I am almost always referencing females. Just habit I guess. My teachers and RAs at school actually had a talk and were told that they were supposed to be more considerate to girls and use more gender-neutral terms like "everyone" or "you all." Personally I don't even give it a second thought. These turned out awesome and the nutritional stats are great! They really do look like those thicker potato fries you get from restaurants.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 26, 2013, 11:04 am
      It is SO difficult to not use the phrase "guys." I think that it is just drilled into our brains :(.
  • dixya| food, pleasure, and health June 26, 2013, 11:22 am
    i try to run away from turnips but now you are tempting me to try give it a try.
  • Tara June 26, 2013, 12:41 pm
    I've never tried turnips before, I think I might of had a bad experience at the dinner table when I was younger. Ha!
  • eatgreatbegreat June 26, 2013, 2:12 pm
    Believe it or not, I don't think I've ever tried turnips before! I think it may be because I had no idea what to do with them, but now I do! Yay! They sound great!
  • Lauren June 26, 2013, 6:20 pm
    What a great idea! Anything that can be called a 'fry' is a recipe I need to try. I once tried to roast and puree turnips as a base for mac and cheese....it didn't quite turn out though! :-/
  • kimathungryhealthygirl June 26, 2013, 6:21 pm
    I totally need to try turnips {like this}! I just saw some at the store, but passed them up....boo.
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 26, 2013, 6:27 pm
      Well next time that you are at the grocery store, you had best stop by the turnips and buy some :).
  • aneastcoastlife June 26, 2013, 6:46 pm
    I've only ever used turnips in stews! I like them but never even though to roast them this way. Thank you for sharing, I'm definitely going to give this a try.
  • Sarah @ Feeeding the Brain and Body June 26, 2013, 8:08 pm
    Turnip and rutabaga are my favourite vegetables! I usually cook them in the mircowave due to time but it looks great the way you have cooked them up!
    • cleaneatingveggiegirl June 26, 2013, 9:11 pm
      If you like them in the microwave then you should definitely try them roasted. They are awesome!
  • GiGi Eats Celebrities June 27, 2013, 1:44 am
    So simple with healthy ingredients! Just the way I like it! :)
  • Oh My Veggies (@ohmyveggies) June 27, 2013, 5:44 pm
    I think I've only had turnip once and I don't really remember it. But I bet I'd love it in French fry form!
  • Megan Faller May 18, 2014, 7:20 pm
    I have never had a turnip before so I was a little nervous trying this recipe...should have known that since it's one of yours it would ROCK!!! They actually taste like potatoes in my opinion but better! You really out did yourself, I am now a lifetime turnip lover! :)
  • Honey2Two August 15, 2016, 6:33 pm
    We roast white turnips and Crimson beets for ROLL TIDE FRIES. Delish!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl August 15, 2016, 7:32 pm
      What a fun idea! Who knew turnips could be so delicious, right? :)
  • Elizabeth December 30, 2016, 1:03 am
    Hello! I too am hooked on turnip (and parsnip) fries. The only part I hate is the prep. Have you ever used a French fry cutter on a turnip? Does it work? I'm contemplating buying one just for this purpose. :)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl January 16, 2017, 9:55 am
      I hear you. Cutting them can be a pain! I would worry that a french fry cutter might not work because the turnips and parsnips are rather hard (I've also heard that using one for sweet potatoes as opposed to white potatoes can be quite difficult). If you give it a try, let me know!

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