Grilled Baby Turnips with Thyme & Rosemary

We received some lovely little red and white baby turnips as part of our weekly CSA vegetable box. Rather than boiling or roasting them like we usually cook turnips. Instead, we decided to cook them on the grill using the same method we use for BBQ-roasted potatoes. We added some fresh herbs from a friend's garden, a light dusting of Kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper, and when they were ready they were even better than I had hoped: Mellow with a subtle sweetness and a much lighter earthiness and none of the bitterness that can mar the flavor of mature turnips. Even if all you have are larger, mature turnips, I bet that slow-roasting them on your grill will remove much of that bite and replace it with a richer, sweeter flavor.

Here are step by step instructions for grilled turnips - this method works for whatever quantity you want to make. All you need are turnips, olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh thyme & rosemary (or other fresh herbs of your choice), salt & pepper, and a large enough piece of foil to hold the turnips as they grill.

1. Wash & trim the turnips, peel if desired (recommended for larger, mature turnips but not necessary for baby turnips - we didn't peel ours) and quarter or cut into small chunks.

2. Make a foil "boat" from a large piece of aluminum foil by folding up the edges and place this boat on a sturdy plate or cutting board (this will make it easier to transfer the boat onto the grill when ready to cook the turnips). Place turnip chunks in the boat in a single layer, generously drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste, and gently stir to coat all sides of the turnips, making sure you spread them back out into a single layer. Place the herb sprigs over the seasoned turnips.

3.  Carefully transfer the foil boat onto your preheated BBQ grill - you want to cook the turnips over direct, medium heat. Cover the grill and let the turnips cook for about 1 hour or until golden and fork-tender, using tongs to turn the turnips at the halfway point.

That's it!

Zestfully yours,
Gloria
Carolina Sauce Company