The only other time I've had pickled turnips was at a Middle Eastern restaurant. Those are pink from beet juice and sweet. I didn't like those because I'm used to American-style dill pickles. Then I figured, why not use the brine recipe I prefer with my turnips and see what happens.
The process is easy and quick. The brine came to a boil while I was peeling and slicing the turnips. Poured it over them in a jar, waited for it to cool to room temperature, and refrigerated for a day to marinate.I expected the pickles to be more tangy than they were. My eyes watered when I cut the turnips. They're nice, somewhat mellow, and just taste like marinated turnips. I wouldn't mind doing it again to have as a side with burgers or tapas.
What I wish I had blogged was the asparagus. Just stir fry in olive oil, garlic, and salt, but they were the best I've made in a long time. I'm sure I'll do it again.
*1 turnip (about 8 oz)
1/2 C water
1/2 C white vinegar
1/2 Tb kosher or pickling salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp peppercorns
1/4 tsp mustard seed
1/2 tsp dill weed
*1 clove garlic, smashed
*1 small bay leaf
pinch of red pepper flakes if you want them spicy
1. Bring water, vinegar, salt, and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan for a minute or two, until the grains have dissolved. Set aside.
2. Peel the turnip and slice into batons. Mine were about 1/4" thick and 2" long.3. Get out a non-reactive container, preferably glass, large enough to hold the turnip pieces. Mine fit in a pint jar. At the bottom, place the peppercorns, mustard seeds, dill weed, garlic, and bay leaf. Also, red pepper flakes, if using. Add the turnip pieces on top, and shake a little to settle them.
4. Pour the hot brine into the jar. The turnip will float, but try to get the brine all the way to the top. Poke or shake to dislodge air pockets. If there isn't enough brine to cover, add a little water. If it's very low, also add a splash of vinegar.
5. Allow the jar to sit on the counter until room temperature, then refrigerate. The pickles will be at their best on days 2-7. Try to finish them in under two weeks.
Serves 4-6
Difficulty rating π