Turkish Spiced Turnips with Yogurt

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized turnips, peeled and sliced into thin rounds (500g) 4 medium-sized turnips, peeled and sliced into thin rounds (500g)
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 tablespoons salt 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 80 kcal / 335 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, dissolve the salt in water to create a brine.
2. 2.
   Add the turnip slices to the brine and let them soak for 1 hour.
3. 3.
   Drain the turnips and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, and Aleppo pepper.
5. 5.
   Toss the turnip slices in the spice mixture until well coated.
6. 6.
   Transfer the spiced turnips to a clean jar and press them down firmly.
7. 7.
   Pour enough water into the jar to cover the turnips completely.
8. 8.
   Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 2 days to allow the turnips to ferment.
9. 9.
   After 2 days, refrigerate the turnips for at least 1 week to enhance the flavors.
10. 10.
    To serve, place a generous dollop of yogurt on a plate and arrange the pickled turnips on top.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turnips — Make sure to slice the turnips into thin rounds to ensure they absorb the flavors of the brine and spices effectively.
• Aleppo pepper — If you can't find Aleppo pepper, you can substitute it with a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile.
• Yogurt — Use plain yogurt without any added flavors or sweeteners for the best results. Greek yogurt or strained yogurt works well too.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture.
• Serve the Turkish Spiced Turnips with warm pita bread for a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
• Experiment with different herbs for garnishing, such as parsley or dill, to add a fresh twist to the dish.
• Adjust the fermentation time based on your preference for the level of tanginess in the pickled turnips.
• Store the pickled turnips in the refrigerator for up to 1 month for long-lasting enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish Spiced Turnips with Yogurt as an appetizer or as part of a mezze platter. It pairs well with grilled meats, rice pilaf, or as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.

Presentation advice

Arrange the vibrant pink turnip slices on a white plate to showcase the beautiful contrast of colors. Place a dollop of creamy yogurt in the center and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant and visually appealing presentation.