Turnip the Flavor

It seems that the most easily digestible vegetables are the roots from the underground. No, not from Australia, but actually from down under - under your feet & inside the good earth. They include taproots & tubers including carrots, radishes, rutabagas, turnips, beets, white potatoes, & sweet potatoes.  I had never even seen a turnip until I began exploring my IBS challenges and options and I had never actually eaten a parsnip. (I thought parsnips were only good for one thing - to sweeten up chicken soup and then be tossed out along with the mushy celery). I have yet to experience a rutabaga. 

I made this warm, delicious casserole one night after buying a bunch of turnips that I had no idea what to do with and served it as a side dish with dinner.  It's a creamy, earthy comfort food you'll love to warm up to in winter.

Turnips Gratin
3-4 large turnips (peeled, boiled 'til tender & medium sliced)
Herbs & seasonings: tarragon, thyme, nutmeg, salt & pepper
1 cup cashews to make cashew cream  
Earth Balance buttery spread (3-4 tbs melted)
Italian bread crumbs* (I use Edward & Sons Italian Herb organic bread crumbs - they're dairy free)

First, make the Cashew Cream: read more about cashew cream
Either soak 1 cup of cashews in cold water overnight in the fridge, or soak them in boiling water until soft; 15-30 minutes.
Put softened cashews in a blender and cover them with water to the top of the cashews.  (The less water used, the thicker the cream).
Blend until smooth & creamy.  Set aside.

Layer the bottom of a casserole dish (I used a 7" square x 3" deep dish) with turnip slices.
Season with tarragon, thyme, nutmeg, salt & pepper.
Spread cashew cream over this layer.
Add another layer of turnip slices, then herbs & seasonings, & more cashew cream.
Continue with the layers.
Top the last layer with melted Earth Balance and sprinkle a layer of bread crumbs* on the top.
Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until bread crumbs are a bit golden.

Notes:
*Check labels - lots of bread crumbs contain lactose; cheese, milk, whey or buttermilk and HFCS!
Edward & Sons organic, Jason breadcrumbs & Osem brand do not contain lactose.  You can also use Panko breadcrumbs (also lactose free) & mix the crumbs with seasonings like onion & garlic powder, salt, pepper & paprika & your favorite Italian herbs & spices like oregano, basil & thyme.

Recipe was inspired by Amy Pennington's Rutabaga Gratin recipe, Whole Living Magazine, November 2010.