Steamed Turnip Mash
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Learn how to make a simple, comforting turnip mash for your baby. A smooth, nutrient-dense first food loaded with vitamin C and fiber.
Turnips have a gently peppery flavor that softens into something sweet once cooked. Steamed and mashed smooth, they give a comforting, low-carbohydrate change of pace from potato mash. A nice way to widen a baby's palate during weaning.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 2 medium turnips, peeled and chopped into small cubes
- 🫗 1 to 2 tsp breast milk, formula, or low-sodium vegetable broth (for thinning)
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Wash, peel, and chop the turnips into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
Place a steamer basket over boiling water in a saucepan, add the turnip cubes, and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Steam for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the turnip pieces are completely tender and yield easily when pierced with a fork.
Transfer the cooked turnips to a bowl and mash thoroughly with a fork, or blend for a completely smooth puree consistency.
Stir in a small splash of breast milk, formula, or broth if needed to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Let it cool down completely to a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Under-cooking the turnips, which makes them difficult to mash and leaves a hard, fibrous texture that is unappealing and unsafe for infants.
- ✕
Skipping the peeling step; turnip skins can be tough and difficult for a young baby to digest.
🔄 Variations
Potato & Turnip Blend: Mix half-and-half with mashed potatoes for a traditional, comforting hybrid mash.
Olive Oil Touch: Stir in a tiny drop of extra-virgin olive oil for a silkier texture and healthy fats.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Fridge: Store leftover turnip mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- 📦
Freezer: Freeze in portions using an ice cube tray for up to 1 month. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before warming and serving.
💡 Chef Tips
Turnips can have a slightly bitter or sharp bite when raw, but steaming them thoroughly brings out their natural, mild sweetness.
If the turnip flavor is too strong for your baby at first, you can mix it 50/50 with sweet potato or potato mash to soften the flavor.
❓ FAQ
Are turnips healthy for babies? Yes, they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, folate, and calcium, supporting your baby's immune system and bone development.
Can I serve turnips as finger food instead? Yes, you can cut them into thick sticks and steam them until fork-tender for a BLW finger food option.
Why do turnips taste spicy? Raw turnips contain sulfur compounds that give them a peppery kick, but cooking breaks these compounds down into a much milder flavor.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →