What is swede? Have you even heard about it? If not, this post is for you. And if you are already familiar with it, please continue to read on. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot of new things about Swede in this article.
Let’s begin.
Swede or Rutabaga (its other name) is a root vegetable. It is also referred to as Swedish Turnip (or Swede Turnip) – that’s why it’s called “swede.”
In reality, swede is a cross between a cabbage (a very common leafy vegetable) and a turnip (also a popular root vegetable). In fact, the tops of a Swede can be eaten as a leafy vegetable and the main part can be consumed as a root crop.
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How Do You Eat Swede?
As previously said, you can consume the top and bottom portions of a swede vegetable. Below is a guide on how to eat this type of food.
Swede Tops
The top leafy part of a swede vegetable can be compared to kale (but the taste of swede is stronger). This can be eaten raw, such as including it in a green smoothie recipe.
As with other leafy vegetables, Swede tops can also be fried, blanched and boiled. You can, therefore, include this in your stir fry dishes, stews, casseroles, and soups.
Swede Roots
The main part of a Swede vegetable can be compared to a potato (which is also a root crop). As a matter of fact, Swede can be used as a substitute for potatoes – but it has a stronger, more peppery taste.
Like potatoes and beets, Swede can be fried, boiled, roasted, mashed, and shredded (for hash brown recipes). They can also be used as thickeners in soups and stews (just like potatoes).
How Does Swede Taste Like?
Although Swede can be compared to Kale (the top part) and to potatoes (the bottom part). Its overall taste is still a cross between a cabbage and a turnip – after all, it’s been cross-bred from those 2 vegetables.
Note that the taste of turnip is slightly more bitter than that of Swede. And although its taste is somewhat similar to carrots, carrots are sweeter.
In Rutabaga recipes, Swedes can be used in combination with potatoes and carrots. They can also be used as substitutes for these root crops.
How to Cut Swede
When preparing Swede so as to include this in recipes, you need to cut the vegetable into several pieces. The steps to doing this are listed below:
How To Prepare Rutabaga Via MonkeySee
- Cut the root ends of the crop
- Using a potato peeler, take the skin off the Swede vegetable.
- Cut the Swede into the proper size for your particular recipe.
How to Cook Swede
When cooking Swede, just think about potatoes and carrots. Needless to say, the cooking procedure for Swede will depend upon the recipe. In general, you can cook this ingredient on the stovetop (fried, boiled, etc.) or in the oven (baked or roasted).
A Simple Cooking Tip for Swede / Rutabaga Via Daves Tiny Kitchen
Really, there’s nothing to worry about when cooking Swede. It may seem to be a strange vegetable if it’s your first time to use it, but you’ll get used to it as you start using it more and more in your recipes.
Swede is actually a versatile ingredient – and it will give a new taste to your recipes. To inspire you to use it, I will give you 5 easy recipes that make use of Swede.
Recipe 1 – Mashed Swede
If you love mashed potatoes, make some mashed Swedes instead – and you might fall in love with it, too. This recipe is really simple to do, just as mashed potatoes can be easily done in minutes. Needless to say, the procedures for making mashed potatoes and mashed Swedes are very similar – but there will be some variations in the overall taste.
Ingredients:
5 pieces medium size Swede
½ cup butter
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Procedure:
- STep 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- STEP 4
- STEP 5
- STEP 6
- STEP 7
- STEP 8
Peel the Swedes and cut into pieces
Recipe 2 – Swede Chips, Wedges or Fries
If you can make mashed Swedes as the substitute for mashed potatoes, you shouldn’t be surprised that you can use this ingredient for making chips, fries, and wedges as well. Again, just think of the Swedes as potatoes – and you’ll be able to create a delicious recipe. However, expect some new twist in the overall taste.
Ingredients:
3 pieces large Swedes
Olive oil (for coating)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Procedure:
- STep 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- STEP 4
- STEP 5
- STEP 6
- STEP 7
Peel the Swedes and cut into chips, wedges or fries (depending on your recipe)
Recipe 3 – Fish Pie
Fish recipes can include Swedes, just as potatoes and carrots are included in these types of dishes. For a simple fish pie recipe, follow the instructions below.
Ingredients:
500 grams Salmon
750 grams Swede (peeled and cut into chunks)
½ cup butter
3 tablespoons milk
200 grams sour cream
100 grams peas
Procedure:
- STep 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- STEP 4
- STEP 5
- STEP 6
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Recipe 4 – Beef and Swede Casserole
Beef and Swedes go well in recipes. For this particular dish, you will use Swedes and potatoes together. All the ingredients will release their own flavors to make a really tasty casserole.
Ingredients:
500 grams beef (diced)
500 grams Swede (peeled and diced)
300 grams potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 tablespoons oil
2 medium size onions (sliced)
1 celery stick (diced)
700 ml. beef or chicken stock
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Procedure:1
- STep 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- STEP 4
- STEP 5
- STEP 6
- STEP 7
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Recipe 5 – Chicken and Swede Slow Cooker
You can also include Swedes in your chicken recipes. In this particular slow cooker recipe, Swedes will be used in combination with potatoes and carrots. The taste of all the ingredients will result in a truly delicious meal.
Ingredients:
900 grams chicken breast
1 large Swede (peeled and sliced into chunks)
3 medium size potatoes (peeled and sliced into chunks)
2 large carrots (peeled and sliced into chunks)
1 large onion (diced)
1.4 liters beef or chicken stock
All-purpose flour (as needed)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Procedure:
- STep 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- STEP 4
- STEP 5
- STEP 6
- STEP 7
Preheat the slow cooker in the high setting.
More Swede Recipes for You
Swede is a versatile root crop vegetable. So, like other types of veggies, you can also use it in different recipes. I have already shown you some Swede recipes with chicken, beef, and fish. Now you can even substitute your mashed potatoes and French fries with Swede. To prove to you that Swede is really an all-around ingredient, I am providing you with even more Swede recipes in this section.
Swede Soup Recipes
Meals always taste better when served with soups. If you want to include Swede in your soup recipes, try the ones listed below.
Swede Salad Recipes
There are potato salad and carrot salad recipes, right? And since Swede can be used as the substitute for these ingredients, it only follows that you can make Swede salad recipes as well. Follow the instructions on the videos below for some refreshing salad recipes.
Swede Salad with Pork Sausage
Somtam Moo-Yaw (Spicy Swede Salad With Cooked Pork Sausage) Via Mrs. Clem มาดามเค็ม
Papaya Salad Using Swede Substitute
Papaya salad substituting green papaya with swede (rutabaga) Via Diet PROS
Unique Swede Recipes
Just when you think you know every recipe that makes use of Swede, you’ll be surprised at the unique recipes presented below. The Singing Swede is particularly intriguing – and it’s a simple and delicious recipe as well. Just watch the videos and you’ll see what I mean.
Nutritional Value of Swede
Like other types of vegetables, Swede is also very nutritious. Refer to the list below for some of its nutritional value.
- Vitamin C – Swede is high in Vitamin C, which is a very powerful oxidant. This vitamin can also strengthen the body’s immune system to make it resistant to diseases.
- Vitamin B6 – Swede is also high in B vitamins, especially Vitamin B6. A healthy heart needs this vitamin to avoid having heart diseases.
- Myricetin – This is a phytochemical that’s also present in Swede. It helps in the prevention of prostate cancer.
- Fiber – Swede is rich in fiber, which is essential to having a healthy digestive system.
- Other Vitamins and Minerals – Swede also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals like Zinc, Iron, and Potassium.
As you can see, Swede is a nutritious ingredient that can be included in a lot of recipes. Just know that it’s quite high in carbohydrates and sugar – so use it sparingly if you need to avoid these things.
You Gotta Love Swede
Although Swede is not as popular as potatoes, carrots, and turnips, this vegetable is really worth knowing (and eating). You have seen its nutritional value, so you already know how beneficial it is to the body.
If it’s your first time to eat Swede, you might find its taste to be a little weird (but weird in a good way). Of course, it tastes different than the other vegetables that you’re used to, but it’s still delicious.
As you get used to the taste of Swede, you’ll find that it adds a unique flavor to dishes – a delicious, unique flavor. This new discovery will, therefore, add a new level of greatness to your cooking adventures and make your meals more exciting.
Let me know how you’re using this ingredient and if you’re enjoying it. If you have other recipes to share, feel free to leave a message in the comment section below. Also, don’t forget to share this post with other cooks who have yet to discover the wonders of this root crop called Swede.
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