Creamed Rutabaga – Easy Rutabaga Recipe

Have you ever tried a humble rutabaga? If you get one of these gnarly vegetables in your weekly CSA box, start with this easy rutabaga recipe for beginners. Creamed rutabaga is simple with only 4 ingredients including salt and pepper.

Easy Rutabaga Recipe

Rutabaga is actually a new vegetable in my repertoire. I had never had one until our CSA bag from the Purdue University Student Farm started adding them to our weekly bags of veggies.

I turned to my handy vegetable encyclopedia Vegetables on the Side Cook Book to learn more. There is no reason to overthink how to fix a rutabaga, so for this easy recipe I went for a creamed dish.

What the heck is a rutabaga?

Rutabagas are a cruciferous vegetable and are actually a mix between a turnip and a cabbage; however, they can be much larger than the average turnip. The flavor of a rutabaga mimics turnips but is more mild in flavor. Some people say they have a mild nutty flavor.

When we told our mom that we were fixing rutabaga, she shared a story about her father and his time in a WWII prison camp. They were served rutabaga and bread for most of their meals. While many of the other men didn’t like the unfamiliar vegetable, my grandpa would trade his bread for their rutabaga and have much more food to eat. He thought this was one reason he came out of his experience without serious health issues. It was a story we hadn’t heard and the connection of this humble vegetable to our grandpa is one we’ll remember each time we fix this dish.

How healthy is a rutabaga?

Rutabagas are low in calories and contain zero fat and zero cholesterol making them a healthy addition to your diet.

How do you eat rutabagas?

Rutabagas can be boiled in cold, salted water; then add some butter, salt and pepper and your favorite herbs. Or, steam the cubed rutabaga in a steamer basked until tender. Serve the same way as boiled with butter (or olive oil) and your favorite seasonings.

Alternatively, rutabagas are a great substitution for potatoes, so use peeled rutabagas in all the same recipes that call for potatoes. Try mashed rutabaga! Another way to eat rutabaga is to make creamed rutabagas, an old fashioned side dish. Lastly, use rutabagas in your favorite stews and soups.

Ingredients

• Fresh Rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half
• Fresh chives (optional)

How to make creamed rutabaga?

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large saucepan or pot, simmer rutabaga cubes in salted water over medium heat until fork tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Drain chunks well in a colander.
3. Season with salt and pepper (freshly ground pepper is best).
4. Add cream, and simmer over medium low heat until the cream thickens and coats the rutabaga, around 10 minutes. Stir often.
5. If desired, top with fresh chives.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool. Transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For the full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for creamed rutabaga, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Do you need to peel a rutabaga?

Yes, before cooking, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer peel of the rutabaga.

Recipe FAQs

• Use as much rutabaga as you have on hand. Use a little less cream or a little more; use your best estimate. This recipe is extremely versatile.
• Rutabaga has a taste similar to a mild turnip.
• I prefer freshly grated black pepper.
• I like to start with cold water in my pot before I boil the rutabaga. This ensures even cooking.

Creamed Rutabaga Recipe Variations

• For more flavor, add minced garlic with the cream.
• Fresh herbs are a wonderful addition to the cream sauce. Try thyme, sage or parsley.
• Make mashed rutabaga by adding the entire mixture (cream and rutabaga) to a blender or mixer. It’s a great low carb side dish.
• Substitute your favorite root vegetables for rutabagas including turnips or even cauliflower.

More Creamed Veggie Recipes

We love a good creamed vegetable and have many of these recipes on the blog (see below). Check out our friend Leah’s blog, if you are looking for a keto creamed spinach recipe.

Creamy Peas and New Potatoes

Creamed Cabbage

Crock Pot Creamed Corn

Old Fashioned Creamy Cucumbers

Creamed Asparagus on Toast