Hundred-year-old Christmas menus sometimes included Mashed Turnips as a vegetable side dish, so I was pleased to find a 1918 recipe for Mashed Turnips. This rustic side dish has a delightful earthly, sweet, yet slightly bitter, flavor.
Here’s the original recipe:
Here’s the recipe updated for modern cooks:
Mashed Turnip
6 medium turnips
water
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter
Wash and peel turnips; cut into slices or quarters. Put in a saucepan and cover with water; add salt. Using high heat bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer until turnips are tender (approximately 35 – 45 minutes). Remove from heat and drain. Mash the cooked turnips, then stir in pepper and butter. Serve immediately.
A Hundred Years Ago 
I don’t think I ever had turnips, but I always felt I needed to give them a try. Now I have a recipe. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Don’t think I’ve ever had mashed turnips,have eaten plenty of them raw ,also diced and cooked with the leaves…mashed would be fun to try.
I never really liked turnips until I tried making them just like mashed potatoes. Mine were made about the same way.
John and I agree on most things. On turnips, it’s a double agreement. We have yet to taste a turnip that we liked, so we agree we don’t have to try any more. I’m happy there are people on the earth who like them, and we gladly leave our share to others.
Merry Christmas!
Add bacon, onion, a bit of flour, sugar, butter. Only way I like them.
I’ve never eaten turnips but live turnip greens. I may have to try this recipe. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!
I have always wanted to try and make something like this. I usually add potatoes because I always think they will be too watery.
I like them just the way you prepared them but I also like them mixed with mashed potatoes as well…it is a nice combination. I hope Christmas was everything you wanted it to be.
I actually really like turnips and it’s odd that they are not so popular these days. Thanks for sharing!
I often roast turnips and parsnips to add to stews but never served by itself!
The smell of mashed turnip always reminds me of my childhood home on Thanksgiving. Happy New Year, Sheryl!
This sounds fabulous, Sheryl!
It’s yummy.