Ingredients
Here is everything you will need to create these delicious baked turnip fries and the perfect creamy dip to accompany them.
For the Baked Turnip Fries:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) Medium Turnips: The star of the show. Look for firm, smooth turnips, as they will have the best texture and a milder, sweeter flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: This helps the turnips get crispy and golden in the oven. Avocado oil is also a great high-heat alternative.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: For that savory, aromatic base flavor that is essential for a good fry.
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish-gold color and a subtle, smoky depth.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of savory flavor.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Or to taste. Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little kick of heat.
For the Creamy Herb Dip:
- 1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: The base of our dip. Greek yogurt offers a protein boost and tangy flavor, while sour cream provides a classic, rich creaminess.
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Chives, finely chopped: Lends a mild, fresh oniony flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill, finely chopped: Provides a unique, slightly tangy, and herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with root vegetables.
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced or pressed: For a pungent, zesty kick. Use a microplane for a smoother texture.
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must. It brightens up all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the yogurt or sour cream.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: To season the dip perfectly.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to transform humble turnips into a crispy, crave-worthy snack. The key to success is in the preparation and baking process.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a crucial step to prevent the fries from sticking and ensures easier cleanup.
Wash the turnips thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the entire outer layer of the skin. The skin can be tough and slightly bitter, so it’s best to remove it for the most pleasant texture. Trim off the top and root ends.
Slice the peeled turnips into fry-shaped sticks, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The most important part of this step is to make them as uniform in size as possible. This ensures that all the fries cook evenly, so you won’t have some that are burnt while others are still undercooked. You can first slice the turnip into planks, then stack the planks and cut them into sticks.
Place the cut turnip sticks into a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the turnips and toss them well to ensure every single fry is lightly coated. This will help them crisp up and prevent them from drying out in the oven.
In a small separate bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkling the combined spices over the oiled turnips ensures a more even distribution of flavor than adding them one by one. Toss everything together again until the turnip fries are evenly seasoned.
Arrange the seasoned turnip fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It is critical that you do not overcrowd the pan. The fries need space for the hot air to circulate around them, which is what makes them crispy. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy fries. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the baking sheet from the oven, and using tongs or a spatula, flip the fries over. This helps them brown and crisp up on all sides. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown, tender on the inside, and crispy on the edges. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
While the turnip fries are baking, you can whip up the simple and delicious dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), finely chopped fresh chives, fresh dill, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. For the best flavor, you can make the dip a little ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 12g