Prepare to be amazed by a dish that transforms the humble turnip into a culinary masterpiece! This Turnip Casserole with Porcini Crumb Topping is not just another side dish – it's a creamy, crispy, flavor-packed experience that will make even the most skeptical vegetable eaters come back for seconds. Imagine a golden, bubbling casserole with tender turnips bathed in rich cream, topped with a crunchy porcini-infused breadcrumb layer that adds an irresistible depth of flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 turnips, peeled and diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms, rehydrated and chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Rehydrate dried porcini mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for 20 minutes. Drain and finely chop the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid.
- Peel and dice turnips into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Place diced turnips in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream, half of the parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the cream mixture over the turnips and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the turnip mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer.
- In a small skillet, melt butter and toast breadcrumbs with chopped porcini mushrooms until golden brown and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and the porcini breadcrumb mixture over the turnips.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy, and turnips are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set.
Tips
- Rehydrating Porcini Magic: When soaking dried porcini mushrooms, save the soaking liquid! It's packed with intense mushroom flavor and can be used to enhance stocks or sauces.
- Uniform Cutting: Dice your turnips into consistent 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others become mushy.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Crispy Topping Technique: Toast your breadcrumbs and porcini mixture in butter until they're golden brown. This extra step adds a nutty, rich flavor and ensures a perfectly crisp topping.
- Resting is Key: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes serving much easier. Pro Tip: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
