Ginger-Infused Smashed Rutabagas with Roasted Pear Delight
This deliciously unique side dish combines the earthy flavors of smashed rutabagas with the sweet, caramelized goodness of ginger-roasted pears. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, with creamy rutabagas enhanced by the warmth of fresh ginger and the fruity brightness of roasted pears. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian feast, and watch it become a new favorite at the table. Whether enjoyed warm or reheated, it's a dish that invites sharing and compliments any meal.
10
Servings
170
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rutabagas
4 lbs (peeled and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes)
Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
as needed (for coating the baking sheet)
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (minced and peeled)
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Pears
3 (peeled, cored, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
Heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup (none)
Butter
5 tablespoons (none)
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Coarse kosher salt
to taste (none)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cubed rutabagas and cook until fork-tender, approximately 35 minutes.
2
While the rutabagas are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick vegetable cooking spray.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced ginger, and sugar. Add the cubed pears to the bowl, tossing gently to coat them evenly with the mixture.
4
Spread the coated pears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 35 minutes, turning the pears every 10 minutes, until they are tender and caramelized.
5
Once the rutabagas are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Mash the rutabagas to a coarse puree using a potato masher or fork.
6
Place the pot over medium heat, allowing the mashed rutabagas to cook for an additional 5 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
7
Add the heavy cream, butter, and chopped thyme to the rutabagas, mixing until incorporated and creamy. Gently fold in the roasted pears along with any juices from the baking sheet. Season the mixture with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8
If preparing ahead, transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day. Reheat in the microwave at one minute intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
26g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ginger-Infused Smashed Rutabagas with Roasted Pear Delight?
It is a unique side dish that combines earthy mashed rutabagas with sweet, caramelized ginger-roasted pears, offering a balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories, 3.5g of fat, 26g of carbohydrates, and 1.5g of protein.
What is the main vegetable used in this recipe?
The primary vegetable is 4 pounds of rutabagas, peeled and cubed.
How long do you need to boil the rutabagas?
The rutabagas should be boiled for approximately 35 minutes until they are fork-tender.
At what temperature should the oven be set for the pears?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do you prepare the ginger-roasted pears?
Toss cubed pears with olive oil, lemon juice, minced ginger, and sugar, then roast them until caramelized.
How many pears are required?
The recipe calls for 3 pears that are peeled, cored, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
How long does it take to roast the pears?
The pears take about 35 minutes to roast, turning every 10 minutes for even caramelization.
What tools are used to mash the rutabagas?
You can use a potato masher or a fork to create a coarse puree.
Why must the mashed rutabagas be cooked for 5 additional minutes?
Cooking them over medium heat after mashing helps evaporate any excess moisture.
What dairy ingredients are added to the smash?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream and 5 tablespoons of butter.
What fresh herb is used for seasoning?
One tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme is added to the rutabaga mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this dish is tagged as gluten-free.
Can this recipe be adapted for vegans?
Yes, a vegan option is possible by substituting the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to one day in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl at one-minute intervals until it is warmed through.
What kind of ginger is used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger that has been peeled and minced.
How should the rutabagas be cut?
They should be peeled and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe recommends using coarse kosher salt to taste.
What is the role of lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice is whisked with olive oil, ginger, and sugar to coat the pears before roasting.
Is sugar added to the savory rutabaga part?
No, the 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar are used specifically for roasting the pears.
What type of oil is best for roasting?
1 1/2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil are used for the pear mixture.
What texture should the rutabagas have after mashing?
The goal is a coarse puree that becomes creamy once the butter and cream are incorporated.
Should the roasting juices from the pears be discarded?
No, you should fold in the roasted pears along with any juices from the baking sheet into the rutabagas.
How do I prevent the rutabagas from sticking to the pot during the moisture evaporation step?
Stir the mashed rutabagas frequently while they cook over medium heat.
What should I serve this side dish with?
It is excellent with roasted meats or as a highlight in a vegetarian feast.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Is this dish considered a healthy comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy comfort food due to its nutrient-rich vegetable base.
How do you prepare the baking sheet?
Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick vegetable cooking spray.