French Turnips, also known as Swede or Rutabaga, take center stage in this beloved traditional Christmas dinner side dish, cherished by generations in our family. It’s a culinary gem that beautifully complements festive feasts, infusing the air with warmth and nostalgia. Unlike their paler counterparts, the robust flavor and hearty texture of rutabagas lend a distinctive character to this dish, making it a must-have on holiday tables across Canada and beyond.
Preparation for this culinary delight is a breeze, requiring just 30 minutes of active time and another 30 minutes in the oven, resulting in an hour of total culinary bliss. As you embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients: 2 turnips (or rutabagas), 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/8 teaspoon of savory, 3 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter (for the sauce), 1 cup of milk, and a generous portion of grated cheese to sprinkle atop the dish.
To begin crafting this masterpiece, start by peeling and cubing the turnips (or rutabagas) and boiling them until tender. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and mash them to a smooth consistency. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed turnips, beaten egg, melted butter, savory, and season generously with salt and pepper. Blend the ingredients until well incorporated, ensuring a harmonious marriage of flavors.
Next, transfer the mixture into a generously buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer. Now, it’s time to prepare the crowning glory of this dish – the velvety white sauce. In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat and gradually whisk in the flour to form a roux. Allow the roux to cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Once the roux has achieved a golden hue, slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens to your desired consistency, infusing it with richness and depth of flavor. Once ready, pour the sauce generously over the turnip mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in creamy goodness.
With the foundation set, it’s time to elevate this dish to new heights. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and mingle with the savory flavors below, creating a tantalizing crust that beckons with every bite.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and bake the dish for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the edges are tinged with irresistible caramelization. As the aroma fills your kitchen, anticipation mounts for the moment when this culinary masterpiece emerges from the oven, ready to delight and dazzle your eager taste buds.
Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. With its golden crust and creamy interior, this French Turnip gratin is a sight to behold and a joy to savor. Each forkful offers a symphony of flavors – the earthy sweetness of rutabagas, the richness of the sauce, and the indulgent creaminess of melted cheese – harmonizing in perfect unison to create a culinary experience that’s nothing short of sublime.
Gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in this festive feast, celebrating the magic of the holiday season with every mouthful. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or the star attraction of your Christmas spread, this French Turnip gratin is sure to become a cherished tradition in your family for years to come, a testament to the power of food to bring joy and togetherness to the festive table.
