Turnip Gratin Dauphinoise

We just love this dish and could eat it everyday. The humble turnip never tasted so good and is a fabulous alternative to potatoes.  The nutmeg just makes this dish sing all over my taste buds and the garlic butter on top is an encore that deserves a standing ovation.  

Turnip gratin is best enjoyed hot, fresh from the oven. It makes a fantastic side dish for roasts, grilled meats, or as a comforting main course for vegetarians.

What is Dauphinoise?

Dauphinoise, also known as "Gratin Dauphinois" or simply "Dauphinois," is a classic French dish that consists of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce. It hails from the Dauphiné region in southeastern France and is a popular side dish in French cuisine. While Dauphinoise may have variations, the traditional recipe typically includes the following key ingredients which we have adapted for a low carb version:

• Turnips - a low carb replacement for the traditional potato.
• Cream - Heavy cream or a mixture of water and cream is used to create the creamy sauce that binds the layers of turnip together.
• Garlic - Garlic cloves are often included to infuse the dish with a subtle garlic flavor. Some recipes call for rubbing the baking dish with a cut garlic clove to impart the flavor.
• Butter - utter is used to grease the baking dish and for adding to the turnip layers.
• Seasonings - Salt, black pepper and grated nutmeg are used to season the dish.

Are turnips low carb?

Being that the general rule about carbs in vegetables is that anything grown above ground is low in carbs and below ground is high in carbs, you might think that the turnip is not suitable for a low carb diet. However, at 4g net carbs per 100g serving they are a great low carb alternative to potatoes.

Turnips can often be an overlooked vegetable but are great for low carb cooking when you have a hankering for a potato.  The texture is more like a potato, but the taste needs to be seasoned for you to really enjoy this.  This is why this dish works so well with the humble turnip.  It's simple but packed full of flavor.

Ingredients

All you need for this creamy dessert is just a few ingredients.

• Turnips - Opt for fresh, firm, and unblemished turnips. Look for smaller to medium-sized turnips, as they tend to be less woody and have a milder flavor than larger ones.
• Butter - unsalted
• Heavy cream - whipping cream can be used. We have a dairy-free suggestion below.
• Nutmeg - add a light sprinkle or adjust to your own palate. I cover mine but get complaints from the Chief Taster.
• Garlic - use more than one clove for a stronger garlic taste.

How to make low carb turnip gratin

This turnip recipe is lifted with the warm spice of nutmeg.  Add cooking thin slices of turnip and cream and you have a delicious side dish.  You could add some grated Parmesan to this but first try it without.  You may be surprised how delicious turnip can be in place of potato.

Peel and thinly slice turnips.

Toss in nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Mix the garlic butter ingredients.

Dot the garlic butter over turnips, add cream and bake.

Make turnip gratin dairy free

If you want to make a dairy free version of this turnip gratin, omit the cream, and use coconut milk and nutritional yeast. You may want to add additional seasoning to remove any coconut milk flavor too.

Storage

After baking your turnip gratin, allow it to cool to room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Do not leave it out at room temperature for an extended period.

Transfer the cooled gratin to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator. Make sure to seal it well to prevent air and moisture from getting in.

Turnip gratin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, it's best to discard any leftovers to ensure food safety.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover turnip gratin, reheat it in the oven at a low to moderate temperature (around 325-350°F or 160-175°C) until it's heated through. You can cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

Recipe Tips

• To ensure even cooking, slice the turnips into thin, uniform rounds. A mandoline slicer can be a handy tool for achieving consistent thickness. (I will confess that a mandoline scares me so I use a sharp knife and steady hand!).
• Some recipes recommend parboiling the turnip slices for a few minutes before assembling the gratin. This can help reduce the overall baking time and ensure that the turnips are tender.
• Consider the size of your baking dish. A wider and shallower dish will result in more surface area for browning and crisping on top, while a deeper dish may require longer baking times.
• Consider the size of your baking dish. A wider and shallower dish will result in more surface area for browning and crisping on top, while a deeper dish may require longer baking times.

How to serve keto turnip gratin

Serving turnip gratin is a delightful experience, and it pairs well with various main dishes.

For a touch of color and flavor, consider garnishing each portion with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, chives, or thyme leaves. A light dusting of grated nutmeg can also add a fragrant touch.

Turnip gratin pairs well with various proteins, making it a versatile side dish. Some excellent main dish options to serve alongside turnip gratin include:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, pork chops, or lamb
• Baked or grilled fish, such as salmon or trout
• Vegetarian options like a mushroom risotto, vegetable stir-fry, or a hearty salad

More keto turnip recipes

For lovers of turnips or anyone looking for a low carb substitute for potato, try these other recipes:

Moussaka with Turnips

Turnip Fries

Hasselback Turnips

Turnip Tart