Creamy Miso Turnip Soup: A Winter Comfort Food with a Twist

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to keep you warm and cozy. This Creamy Miso Turnip Soup is a perfect way to embrace the winter season while exploring the bold flavors and nutritional benefits of turnips and miso paired together. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and why you’ll want to add it to your cold-weather menu every year.

What Are Turnips?

Turnips are root vegetables that belong to the Brassica family, which includes other nutrient-packed vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. They are characterized by their round shape, purple and white skin, and hint of pepper flavor. Turnips have been harvested for centuries and are a staple in many cuisines all around the world.

Turnips thrive in cooler climates and are typically planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Their ability to grow in colder weather makes them a dependable crop (we love dependability!), even in frosty conditions. Whether roasted, mashed, or incorporated into soups, turnips offer a versatile ingredient for winter cooking.

Turnips vs. Rutabaga: What’s the Difference?

Turnips and rutabagas are often mistaken for each other, but they have distinct differences. If you see them at the grocery store, they are usually side by side and the turnips look like a miniature version of the adjacent rutabaga. Not going to lie to you guys, when I got home from the store, I had to do a double take to remember which was which since I had purchased them both for my root veggie series.

However rutabagas are slightly larger, with yellowish flesh and a sweeter flavor, while turnips have white flesh with a firmer texture and a more peppery flavor. Rutabagas also tend to have a longer growing season and can withstand even colder temperatures than turnips (think the older, bigger, more mature sister). Both vegetables are excellent in hearty winter dishes, but turnips’ sharper flavor pairs especially well with the umami richness of miso. Also can we just have a moment for the word “umami”, it is so fun to say.

Miso: A Culinary Powerhouse

Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is a staple in Japanese cuisine and brings depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Its salty, umami-rich profile enhances soups, marinades, and dressings, making it a versatile ingredient in many kitchens. In this recipe, miso complements the earthy flavor of turnips, adding complexity and creaminess to the soup without relying only on dairy.

Pro tip: When cooking with miso, avoid boiling it for extended periods, as high heat can diminish its probiotic benefits and alter its delicate flavor and we do not want to un-umami our umami!

Why Soup Is the Ultimate Winter Meal

Soup is synonymous with winter for many and for good reason. It’s comforting, nourishing, and easy to prepare. Soups can also be a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal produce, like turnips, while creating a warm and satisfying meal. This Creamy Miso Turnip Soup is hearty enough to stand alone but light enough to pair with a crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh side salad.

Nutrition Benefits of Turnips

Turnips are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. Here are some key nutritional highlights:

• Vitamin C: Turnips are an excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune health during the winter months.

• Fiber: Their high fiber content aids digestion and promotes satiety.

• Antioxidants: Turnips contain glucosinolates, compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-protective properties.

• Potassium: This essential mineral helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function.

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Creamy Miso Turnip Soup: A Winter Comfort Food with a Twist

Yield: 6

Author: Macy Diulus RD, LD, MPH, CDCES

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 60 MinTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

This Creamy Miso Turnip Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of winter’s bounty, blending the earthy flavor of turnips with the umami depth of miso. Whether you’re looking to try something new or add more nutritious meals to your routine, this soup is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give it a try and let its comforting warmth brighten your winter days!

Ingredients

• 2 turnips
• 1 bunch of celery
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cups reduced sodium veggie or chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons miso paste
• 3/4 tsp cumin powder
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• Garnish: olive oil and flakey salt.
• Serve with bread of choice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 *F.
2. Start by prepping veggies. Quarter turnips and leave skin on.
3. Remove skin of onion and garlic. Quarter onion and leave garlic cloves whole.
4. Cut celery into 4 inch pieces.
5. Place all veggies onto a lined sheet pan. Drizzle with canola oil. Place in oven to roast for 45 minutes.
6. Remove from oven. Place roasted veggies into a medium sized pot or dutch oven. Add in broth, miso paste, salt, cumin, pepper, sage, and oregano. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until creamy. Add in heavy cream and continue to blend until smooth. Be cautious while blending as contents are very hot.
7. Distribute into serving bowls. Garnish with drizzle of olive oil and flake salt. Pair with bread of choice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

94

Fat

6 g

Sat. Fat

1 g

Carbs

8 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

7 g

Sugar

3 g

Protein

2 g

Sodium

519 mg

Cholesterol

4 mg

The nutritional information provided is an estimate calculated using online tools and is for informational purposes only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods. If you have dietary restrictions or specific health concerns, consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

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