Recipe: Spinach and Turnip Bhaji

Recipe Source: Wickramsinghe, Priya and Carol Selva Rajah.  The Food of India.  Murdoch Books, Millers Point, 2008 p. 165

Until I moved in with my husband, I had never eaten a turnip.  Turnips figured prominently in bad jokes about life Behind The Iron Curtain, and that was about it.  My husband, though, really likes turnips.  As in, REALLY likes turnips.  Since I love him, I've been trying to experiment with turnips, and do you know what?  I like them too.  Not as much as he does, mind you - I'm not about to start eating raw slices of turnip.  But I'm starting to think of them as a proper vegetable in their own right, not just a special treat for the Spouse when I'm feeling magnanimous. 

This recipe was originally supposed to have 2 pounds of greens, mixed spinach and amaranth.  I didn't have any amaranth and my fresh spinach had gone messily bad.  I did however have some frozen spinach.  This altered the composition of the dish in favor of more turnips, but didn't otherwise ruin dinner or anything.  I also substituted paprika for the chili powder called for in the original.  Some of our guests simply cannot eat spicy food, and the only chili powder I have on hand is Chili Powder Extra Hot. 

Spinach and Turnip Bhaji (serves 4; approx. $0.73/serving)

7 ounces small turnips, peeled and finely chopped

1 pound frozen chopped spinach, thawed

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons grated ginger

1 onion, finely chopped

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Equipment:

• 2 large saucepans

1. Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. 
2. Add the turnips.  Cook 1 - 2 minutes.
3. Add the spinach and paprika.  Cook 2 - 3 minutes or until all the water has evaporated.
4. Mash the mixture to the best of your ability and remove from heat.
5. Heat the oil in the second saucepan over low heat.
6. Add the ginger and onion.  cook 2 - 3 minutes. 
7. Add the vegetables from the first saucepan. 
8. Mix well and toss until everything is well seasoned. 
9. Serve with the lemon juice. 

Comments

[lululu]

sounds like a perfect tapa!
btw, i love your bowl!

[Angie@Angie's Recipes]

I always love turnip, but never cooked them with spinach before..sounds quite interesing.

[Sophie]

An excellent vegetable dish!!! I so love it!!

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