Mashed Rutabaga is a simple recipe that makes a great alternative to mashed potatoes. With only 4 net carbs per serving, it’s low in carbs and ideal for those following a keto diet.
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Rutabaga is an often overlooked low carb vegetable, especially when it comes to low carb and keto diets.
With so many people looking for an alternative to potatoesthat isn’t cauliflower, it’s surprising that rutabaga isn’t flying off grocery store shelves. Yet.
Rutabaga can be prepared in most of the same ways that potatoes can. Two easy ways to prepare it are to make Roasted Rutabaga and Mashed Rutabaga.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is super easy.
You basically prepare the rutabaga the same way you would prepare mashed potatoes. It even has a similar mouth feel to mashed potatoes.
It’s a naturally gluten free recipe that has only 4 net carbs per approximately a half cup serving.
You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your own taste.
How to Make Mashed Rutabaga
Prep!
Peel and cut your rutabaga into 1/2-inch rounds, then into 1/2-inch cubes.
Fill a sauce pan about 1/2 way with cold, salted water.
You can adjust the amounts of butter, cream, salt and pepper to suit your own tastes. Be aware that making any adjustments to the recipe will alter the nutritional information provided.
For creamier mashed rutabaga, you can use a food processor.
Store leftover mashed rutabaga tightly covered in the refrigerator.Use within 3-5 days.
FAQ’s
Is rutabaga low carb? Rutabaga is much lower in carbohydrates than most root vegetables. This makes it a great option for those following low carb or keto diets.
What does rutabaga taste like? Rutabagas have a taste similar to that of carrots and cabbage. When cooked, rutabaga takes on a taste and texture similar to strongly flavored potatoes.
More Side Dish Recipes to Try
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice is a low carb side dish that even kids love!
You might also enjoy this recipe for Fried Cabbage and Bacon or this recipe for Butternut Squash Gratin.
Cut your rutabaga into cubes and add to a pot of cold, salted water.
Place the pot on the stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil.
Boil, until the rutabaga is fork tender, about 10 minutes.
Drain the water and add the butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper to the pot with the rutabaga.
Use a potato masher to mash the rutabaga to your desired consistency.
Taste and season as preferred.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Mashed Rutabaga
You can adjust the amounts of butter, cream, salt and pepper to suit your own tastes. Be aware that making any adjustments to the recipe will alter the nutritional information provided.
For creamier mashed rutabaga, you can use a food processor.
Store leftover mashed rutabaga tightly covered in the refrigerator.Use within 3-5 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary. A serving is approximately a 1/2 cup.
How Do You Get the Bitter Taste Out of Rutabagas? If you find that rutabagas are too bitter for you, add up to a tablespoon of sugar to accentuate the sweetness and stir to combine. This will help to counteract the bitterness.
A cup of boiled and mashed rutabaga provides 4.32 grams (g) of dietary fiber toward the 14 g of fiber per 1000 calories that the American government recommends people consume. Dietary fiber helps to keep the bowels healthy and can decrease the risk of: constipation. hemorrhoids.
Potato has MORE THAN TWICE the carbs and calories of rutabaga!! So next time you want some comfort food, peel, chop up and boil that bad boy. Drain and mash it up with a fork/masher with some cream, cheese and butter and dig in!
A 1-cup serving of boiled cubed rutabaga has 51 calories and 12 grams of carbs, compared to 136 calories and 31 grams of carbs in the same amount of potatoes. For that reason, I would highly recommend introducing rutabaga to your diet if you're looking for low carb options.
Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.
Rutabagas are a hearty vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They promote feelings of fullness, which can prevent weight gain. Furthermore, they contain powerful compounds that help fight inflammation, prevent premature aging, and are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers.
Individuals with known sensitivities to cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli should exercise caution when consuming rutabagas. It is crucial for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming rutabaga to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management.
Similar to all its cruciferous cousins, rutabagas are naturally very high in fiber. Dietary fiber improves digestion by bulking up the stool and encouraging elimination, so rutabagas can provide natural constipation relief.
Fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and the absorption of sugar, helping to prevent spikes in blood glucose levels after meals. Rutabagas are often recommended as part of a balanced diet for diabetes management. This is due to their lower carbohydrate content compared to other root vegetables.
Rutabagas are more popular in regions like Scandinavia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom because they grow better in colder climates. The name “rutabaga” comes from the Swedish word rotabagge, which means “baggy root.” Rutabagas are also commonly referred to as Swedes, Neeps, or Swedish Turnips.
Rutabagas Are Healthy, But You May Want to Eat In Moderation (Along With Other Root Veggies) Knowing how to eat is just as (if not more) important as knowing what to eat. It's common knowledge that whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are far more healthier than nutrient-void, processed foods.
If it smells an unpleasant, sour odor, it's time to toss it. Visual indicators are also reliable. Discard any rutabaga that has become excessively soft, discolored, or exhibits signs of mold. Lastly, if the texture is slimy, it's an indication the veggie has gone bad.
Like other cruciferous vegetables, rutabagas contain raffinose, a naturally occurring sugar that can cause bloating and gas. 14 If rutabagas have this effect on you, try eating them steamed (instead of raw). It also helps to add fiber-rich foods to your diet gradually so your digestive system can adapt to them.
They're an ideal source of roughage in your diet. Eating rutabagas can regulate your bowel movements and help you maintain a healthy gut. Including high-fiber foods in your diet can also help prevent colorectal cancer.
The Fix: Balance bitter flavors by introducing something salty, sweet, or sour. For naturally bitter foods such as kale, you can soften the flavor by add a lemony vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, and pomegranate seeds. You can also elevate kale by tossing it olive oil and salt, then roasting it in the oven until crispy.
Wash greens and roots well. Some suggest soaking the greens in a little salty water. One turnip website from the United Kingdom notes that if you boil them, add a little sugar to tame the scent and add baking soda to reduce bitterness.
Salt is your friend: Salt acts as a natural counter to bitter tastes. Adding a bit more salt or something salty like capers to bitter-tasting cabbage will dampen the bitter tastes and increase the sensation from the natural sugars.
Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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