Active Time: 20 MinsTotal Time40 Mins
Yield: Serves 4
Any Southerner will tell you that turnip greens are just as delicious as the vegetable itself. In this recipe, we use the leafy tops of baby turnips to make a bright and flavorful pesto that dresses roasted turnips. We recommend buying the smallest turnips possible, but if you can only find regular-sized turnips, simply halve and quarter them.
Ingredients
- 4(9-oz.) bunches baby turnips
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoon chopped toasted pecans
- 1small garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
How to Make It
Step 1
Preheat oven to 425°F; place a rimmed baking sheet in oven 5 minutes while preheating. Trim turnip stems to 1 inch. Cut trimmed turnips in half lengthwise to measure 6 cups. Chop turnip greens to measure 4 cups. (Reserve remaining turnips and greens for another use.)
Step 2
Toss together halved turnips, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper in a bowl; spread in one even layer on warmed baking sheet. Roast in preheated oven until tender and golden brown, about 18 minutes.
Step 3
While turnips roast, place 2 quarts water in a large saucepan, and bring to a boil over high. Add chopped greens; cook about 30 seconds. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Drain boiled greens, submerge in ice water, and stir once. Let stand until cold, about 1 minute. Remove greens, and squeeze out excess water. Transfer to a food processor.
Step 4
Add pecans and garlic to the greens in the food processor, and process until a paste forms, stopping to scrape down sides as needed, about 1 minute. With processor running, pour lemon juice and remaining 1/4 cup oil through food chute in a steady stream, processing until smooth, about 1 minute. Add Parmesan, honey, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper, and process until blended, about 10 seconds. Set pesto aside until ready to serve.
Step 5
Transfer roasted turnips to a serving platter; drizzle with pesto.
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