Grilled Hakurei Turnips

When the summer mood hits, nothing but grilling will do.  A crisp, smoky exterior over creamy-piquant white turnip flesh is a unique pairing.

Prep time:  5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves:  4 as a side dish

INGREDIENTS
1 bunch hakurei turnips, scrubbed and cut into 1/4 inch slices (reserve the leaves for another use)
3 TB canola oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp. ground ginger
dash hot pepper sauce
soy sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS
Preheat your grill.  Place the turnip slices in a plastic bag that can be closed, or a container with a tight fitting lid.  Mix the olive oil, garlic, ginger, and hot pepper sauce.  Pour over the turnip slices, close the lid, and shake to evenly coat the slices.

Arrange slices over the grill and cook for 3 minutes per side, or until browned and just beginning to soften.  Remove to a serving bowl and dress with a few dashes of soy sauce. 

Tip 1:  All grills have different heat levels, so your grill may run shorter or longer than the time listed above.

Tip 2:   Grilling this way works with relatively tender Hakurei turnips.  Other turnips can also be grilled, but you may need to partially cook them first (such as steaming them until half tender).

Photo & Recipe by Tod Dimmick