Name: Pan Roasted Turnips with Harissa
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Ingredients: 2 medium to large turnips; 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion ((approximately 1 cup)); 2 tsp harissa powder ((adjust based on your heat preference)); 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 3 tbsp. water

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Deliciously spiced and tender, this simple dish of Pan Roasted Turnips with Harissa is all about bold flavor with minimal fuss. Ready in 25 minutes, these turnips can be enjoyed as a healthy side dish or added to bowls and salads.

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Pan Roasted Turnips with Harissa in a golden skillet with parsley on the side.

My prior grocery store runs hardly ever included turnips. Carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, beets, yes; but turnips were not on my radar.

Then, recently, my mom gave me some extra turnips she had received from a friend. She reminded me that, back in Sri Lanka, turnips were a popular food. She also reminded me of the delicious turnip curry she would make when I was younger. One thing I’ve learned from my mom’s cooking is that the most humble vegetable can be transformed into a showstopper with the right spices!

So, I have been experimenting with roasting turnips with a variety of spices. And, in this recipe today, I have this delicious blend of harissa and turmeric-spiced turnips.

This perfect side dish is made in less than 25 minutes, in one pan with only 5 ingredients!

Turnips are tasty, nutritious, versatile, and budget-friendly. Considered root vegetables, they are technically the swollen base of the stem of the plant. They are from the same family as cabbage, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. But, not the same as rutabaga. Turnips are delicious roasted, mashed, or added to a soup or stew.

Why we love this sautéed turnip recipe

So Easy: This is a one-pan recipe that comes together in less than 25 minutes.
Flavor Packed: a blend of smoky harissa and golden turmeric makes this so tasty.
Nutritious: Turnips are a low-carb veggie that are high in Vitamins C, A, and K.
Budget Friendly: Turnips are incredibly economical.

Ingredients

Turnips: pick ones with few to no blemishes or soft spots on the skin.
Extra virgin olive oil or butter.
A yellow onion, peeled and chopped.
Harissa powder. Harissa is one of those spices that differ from region to region and brand to brand. The harissa I used in this recipe is linked here.
Powdered turmeric. Though you could substitute fresh peeled and chopped turmeric, too.

I also used some water, salt, and black pepper. And (these are optional) some fresh parsley and red pepper flakes to garnish the finished dish with.

How to make Spicy Sautéed Turnips

This recipe is so incredibly simple to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner:

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Prep the veggies: Peel the turnips and chop them into bite-sized cubes. Peel and chop the onion as well.
Sauté the aromatics: Start by warming your oil and sauteing the onions until they begin to brown. This builds the base layer of flavor.
Spice it up: Add in the turnips and sprinkle on the turmeric and harissa. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now!
The “Low and Slow” Trick: Then add in a splash of water. By adding a splash of water and covering the pan, we are essentially “braising” the turnips so they get perfectly tender without burning.
The Final Stir: Uncover, add one more splash of water to loosen up all those delicious brown bits at the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, optionally garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes, and enjoy!

Pan roasting the turnips with spices and onions

These pan-roasted turnips can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, heat them in a skillet over a stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with spicy chicken, fish, or tofu.
Serve as a side dish to this saffron quinoa and veggies or this chicken fig biryani.
Add to a bowl with edamame, avocado, maple chili tofu, and miso sweet potato.

Adaptations:

Make it Roasted: If you prefer a “roasted” texture, coat the chopped turnips in oil, harissa, and turmeric. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a Silpat or parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake them in an oven that has been preheated to 400°F for 25-35 minutes or until tender and golden.

Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or turnip greens during the last 2 minutes of cooking turnips for extra nutrients!

Add herbs: Add a pinch or two of fresh thyme or rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

A Seasonal, Market-Fresh Dish

Turnips are a cool-weather favorite commonly grown throughout the United States, making this dish ideal for fall and winter cooking. Whether you’re shopping at a neighborhood farmers market or your local grocery store, this recipe celebrates simple ingredients with fusion flavor, a hallmark of recipes on this blog.

Delicious roasted turnips with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes

This dish brings out the earthy sweetness of turnips with a touch of harissa warmth and golden turmeric glow—simple, colorful, and comforting, just the kind of wholesome everyday recipe that feels both special and easy to make.

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think of it, or tag your creation on social media with @savoryspin or #savoryspin.
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