Some people might fail to notice rutabagas since there are more popular types of root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes. However, rutabaga vegetables are beneficial to the body in multiple ways. For example, they are low in calories while being high in antioxidants, as reported by Healthline. Not to mention, your weight loss goals and digestive health are a lot better when you incorporate rutabaga into your diet! This vegetable is especially perfect for fall since it is in season. It works wonderfully in comforting dishes like soups and casseroles.
However, it is useful in many regards since you can transform it into a low-carb rice, noodles, or mash and use it as a substitute for carbs in certain dishes! For example, replace the potatoes and create a Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Rutabaga. Or, next time you are craving rice, make the Brussels Sprouts Rutabaga Rice with Chicken Sausage recipe. Of course, you don’t just have to use it as a healthier alternative to other ingredients; it deserves recognition, and you can appreciate it without comparing it to other foods. These recipes are the absolute best ways to include rutabaga in a recipe!
1. Root Vegetable Pot Pie
If you are tired of making the same old predictable pot pie, try out this genius recipe! The main components are rutabaga, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and leeks. The delicious root vegetables take on an herbal flavor of dried sage and thyme. Meanwhile, they reside in a creamy homemade sauce, which prevents them from drying out. Make homemade biscuits to sit atop the filling, and get ready to experience your new favorite dish!
2. Bulgur Lentil Ragu with Parsnip-Rutabaga Mash
This meal looks so gorgeous that it gives the impression that you spent hours and hours in the kitchen. In reality, it doesn’t take too long to make. This fabulous main course is vegetarian-friendly, and it has two main components: the root mash and the ragu. The mash is simple with rutabaga, parsnips, butter, half-and-half, and salt. Meanwhile, the homemade ragu contains red lentils, tomatoes, bulgur, onions, and more.
3. Rutabaga Hash with Cabbage, Bacon, and Leeks
This side dish is a wonderful blend of rutabaga, green cabbage, leeks, seasonings, and bacon. There are many ways to garnish it, but the recipe suggests using fresh basil, which provides a refreshing, sweet undertone to the dish. We suggest serving this with oven-baked salmon or chicken breasts! All of the yummy ingredients in this recipe pair with various entrees, so you can experiment and see what you like.
4. Creamy Rutabaga Carrot Soup
There is something so pleasant about a creamy pureed soup. This specific recipe is incredibly delicious because the coconut milk makes it extra silky. It also has rutabaga, carrots, onions, and vegetable broth. A hint of garlic, salt, and pepper gives it the right amount of flavor! We suggest serving this with sandwiches or just a simple dinner roll on the side.
5. Rutabaga Au Gratin
If you enjoy potatoes au gratin, you will love this dish just as much. The recipe requires shallots, garlic, heavy cream, and butter for a delicious sauce. The main component is the rutabaga, which is sliced and layered between the sauce and gruyere cheese. There is also some almond flour to give it structure. This can be served on a special holiday occasion or simply anytime that you want to indulge in a buttery, comforting dish!
6. Broccoli and Sundried Tomato Rutabaga Pasta with Ricotta
Create tasty rutabaga noodles with this recipe! For this dish, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese accompany the healthy root vegetable. It also has broccoli florets, which give the meal a heartier feel. Enjoy this for lunch, or serve it with toasted baguette pieces to make it a dinner. If you want, you can even add some ground Turkey or other meat to the pasta!
7. Brussels Sprout Rutabaga Rice with Chicken Sausage
Inspiralized posted this clever recipe where you can turn the rutabaga into pieces that resemble rice. The dish also has garlic, red pepper flakes, shallots, and Brussels sprouts. Above all, the chicken sausage and low-sodium chicken broth are the most substantial ingredients that will satisfy your hunger after a long day. This dish doesn’t take much prep time at all, so it is totally doable to make on a whim! You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together.
8. Cheesy Rutabaga and Carrot Casserole
Next time you crave something cheesy, pull this recipe out of your collection! This is a gluten-free dish that can act as a main course or side dish. The recipe consists of rutabaga, carrots, and horseradish. There are also small amounts of butter, salt, and pepper. But do you want to know where it gets good? The combination of cubed and grated cheese gives this dish the most delicious texture and flavor.
9. Simple Spiralized Rutabaga
Maybe you just want to know how to make simple rutabaga noodles to pair them with your favorite protein and veggies. This recipe gives you the freedom to do so! It thoroughly explains how to create thick noodle-like pieces with the rutabaga, resembling wide egg noodles or fettuccine. All you need is fruit and vegetables, avocado oil, garlic powder, and a smidge of salt. We suggest serving this with chicken breasts and marinara sauce!
10. Roasted Rutabaga Steaks
If this is the first time you’ve seen the term “rutabaga steaks,” you’re not alone. No, this dish doesn’t necessarily resemble a steak, but the thick veggie pieces are roasted and come out perfectly tender, at least. You’ll enjoy these rutabaga slabs, which you can enjoy as a starter or pair with a protein. All you need is rutabaga, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and a few other ingredients. The addition of yellow Curry powder is especially impactful!
11. Zucchini Rutabaga Fritters
Use your rutabaga to create delicious Zucchini Rutabaga Fritters that function as the perfect afternoon snack! The texture of the two primary components is quite pleasing. Not to mention, there’s a wide range of other ingredients that upgrade its flavor. For example, nutritional yeast, fresh dill, cumin, and Dijon mustard are just a few examples. Dip these in your favorite sauce, or enjoy them on their own if you want to appreciate the flavor that they offer!
12. Raw Rutabaga Salad with Apples
Believe it or not, you don’t have to cook rutabaga every time. You can also utilize it when it’s raw. This lovely salad by It’s A Veg World After All is the prime example. It has peeled rutabaga, apples, kale, walnuts, and pitted dates. The homemade dressing is tangy with a harmony of Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. We love how honey sweetens the dressing without the need for any sugar!
13. Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Rutabaga
This healthy take on shepherd’s pie has a nutritious base of ground pork, ground beef, onions, bone broth, and more. The meat mixture has a seasoning blend comprised of cinnamon, cumin, allspice, and black pepper. The pine nuts give a crunch, and the carrots and peas give the base color. Then, on top, you can find the mashed rutabaga layer with ghee and sea salt! You certainly won’t need any side dishes with this hefty meal.
14. Rutabaga & Butternut Squash Casserole
Rutabaga and butternut squash are both harvested in the later part of the year, so it makes sense to throw them in a casserole together! This fantastic dish has layers of seasoned fennel and leeks, homemade creamy bechamel sauce, and then, of course, the butternut squash and rutabaga. The grated cheese takes it to the next level, which you can spread on top so it perfectly browns and bubbles!
15. Low Carb Potato-Less Salad Using Rutabaga
Potato salad without potatoes? Yep, this rutabaga salad mimics potato salad but without all the carbs. My Life Cookbook created this recipe with rutabaga, mayo, apple cider vinegar, celery, and more. For textual purposes and added protein, add some chopped cooked eggs into the mixture. The brown mustard provides some tanginess, and you can include a natural sweetener to balance out the vinegar! Bring this to any potluck, and it will go over nicely.
