Creamy mashed rutabaga with caramelized onions is a flavorful lower carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Whip it up for all your holiday gatherings for a show-stopping side dish!
Hey-o! I thought I’d pop in to provide side dish inspiration to add to your holiday menu.
This mashed rutabaga recipe is especially awesome for those who…
a.) Find regular mashed potatoes bland.
b.) Those who limit or avoid lectins or nightshades (i.e. potatoes) but still want a nice mash.
c.) Folks who enjoy unique dishes to add pizzazz.
d.) For those who are conscious of nutrient density or macros.
Rutabagas contain fewer carbs and calories than potatoes, and also more nutrients.
If you’re trying to keep your holidays lower-carb but still enjoy carb feel-alikes, rutabaga’s your jam.
This dish also comes with caramelized onions, which as we all know are equivalent to unicorn kisses (..except for those who have IBS 😉 ) …so there is that
Next to yams, rutabagas are my favorite root for mashing.
Mashed rutabaga is even tastier to me than regular mashed russet, gold, or red potatoes.
It has a naturally sweet and creamy flavor, making it far more entertaining to my palate than a standard potato. Plus, adding ghee, coconut milk, and nutmeg make this thing so luxurious!
Health Benefits of Rutabaga:
- Rutabaga contains glucosinolates, which reduce the growth of cancer cells. They also contain carotenoids and vitamin C to prevent oxidation and remove free radicals.
- For those who struggle with getting enough fiber, rutabagas can be of assistance! They contain a dose of dietary fiber to help move things along in your digestive system.
- Attention Low-FODMAP-ers – if you eat a low-FODMAP diet due to IBS, rutabaga is one of the roots that is low in FODMAPs. This mash is tummy-friendly for those of you with digestive issues, provided you skip the caramelized onions!
Recipe Adaptations:
- Chop up the caramelized onions into small pieces and mix them into the rutabaga mash rather than serving them on top.
- Use 1 lb turnips and 1 lb rutabaga if you’re jonesing to incorporate turnips.
- Omit the caramelized onions if you follow a low-FODMAP diet, or are short on time.
- I don’t recommend substituting the ghee or the coconut milk – these ingredients are really what make the mash POP!
One of the best parts about recipes like this is it is not only straight-forward and fairly quick to prepare, but it can also be made ahead of time. If you’re preparing part of your holiday menu early, this mash can be made up to 4 days in advance.
If you make the mash, feel free to comment below telling me what you think!
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions:
- 3 Tbsp avocado oil
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
Mashed Rutabaga:
- 2 lbs rutabaga, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 3 Tbsp ghee, or grass-fed butter, melted
- 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder, omit for Low-FODMAP
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 3/4 tsp sea salt, to taste
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and saute, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and begin to brown around the edges, about 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until onions have caramelized, about 30 to 40 minutes. Note: once the onions begin sticking to the skillet, de-glaze the pan with a few tablespoons of water - you'll likely need to do this 2 or 3 times.
Mashed the Rutabagas:
- While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the rutabagas. Peel the rutabagas and chop them into 2-inch cubes. Bring a pot of water to a full boil and add the chopped rutabagas. Boil for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender.
- Strain the rutabagas and place them in a high-powered blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until creamy. You will likely need to stop the blender/food processor a few times to scrape the sides to help the blending along. Note: if you don't own a high powered blender or food processor, simply transfer everything back into the pot you used for boiling and mash it all together using a masher.
- Taste mashed rutabaga for flavor and add more ghee, coconut milk, and/or sea salt to taste. Serve with your favorite entree.
Lisa
Wednesday 20th of February 2019
This may be a foolish question but is coconut milk used to avoid dairy?
Sonja
Tuesday 26th of January 2021
@Lisa, yes
GiveItAWhirlGirl
Sunday 18th of November 2018
I just tried rutabaga for the first time recently. Loved it! This recipe is a keeper!