What in the world is a swede? Although the root vegetable originated in central Europe, Americans may better know this veg as a rutabaga. Funny enough, the Google search for a swede or a rutabaga will pull up many different recipes and articles even though the two are one in the same. The swede was a staple during World War II and is still readily available in grocers today.
The oversized looking turnip is actually a member of the cabbage family. The swede, with its tan-purple skin and unpolished appearance, is sadly under celebrated because it is considered a poor man’s food that is bland and uninteresting. But you would be missing out if you skip over the round vegetable on the grocery store aisle. Inside is a yellowy-orange flesh that has a sweet, earthy flavor and a big surprise in the kitchen.
Many people don’t know how to cook a swede, but it is actually very simple. A reluctant cook may have a bad first experience because the swede can disintegrate easily if they are overcooked. Use a potato peeler and take off all of the tough skin. Then chop, slice or dice the swede per your recipe needs. You can bake, boil, roast or puree the swede. Unlike most vegetables, the color of the swede deepens with cooking. Plus, the flesh has a tremendous capacity to absorb flavors the longer it cooks creating incredibly flavorful and balanced bite.
The autumn and winter vegetable is quite hardy and filling in nature. It low in calories and rich in vitamin A and C. The swede also has great mineral content including calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese. The root vegetable is also high in fiber. All of this and it still has a sweet taste that is fabulous twist on potato dishes and can add interest to many of your meals. Try your “cabbage-turnip” vegetable on for size with these stellar recipes:
- Beautifully baked, this recipe for baked swede and chorizo is a real knockout.
- You may be serving a swede gratin with leeks and goat cheese instead of the regular potato-focused recipe at your next family dinner.
- Try mashed swede that has the creamy, filling texture you love.
- These roast swede wedges with parmesan may be the closest you’ll get to regular fries.
- Need a new stuffed pepper recipe? Swede is your answer with these perfectly stuffed peppers with swede and gruyere cheese. A. Ma. Zing.
If you are daring enough to try the swede what would you pair with it?
Share your ideas on Twitter! CLICK TO TWEET>>> SWEDE, the turnip-cabbage hybrid + _____ would make an amazing bite. #PairYourEats with @BiteSzWellness. http://bit.ly/UpFplR #WeeklyBite <<<TWEET ME and play along in the food pairing fun!
The PERFECT PAIRING for swede is HERBS like thyme, rosemary, garlic and parsley so get seasoning. Looks like you have a new favorite vegetable.
Have you been exploring new food pairings? Introduce some new foods and flavors to your life and participate in the next Pair Your Eats blog link-up on October 1st!
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Have you ever tried swede? Are you a fan of root vegetables?
