An easy low carb alternative to mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving dinner, these mashed carrots and turnips are a little bit sweet and oh so tasty!
Thanksgiving dinner, or any turkey dinner for that matter, is one of those things that everyone has their traditional side dishes for.
Now I’m not one to have a problem with changing things up to try something different. In fact there was almost a revolt one year when I decided to try a different stuffing recipe rather than making the one we have every year.
I’m not even joking – I still haven’t heard the end of that. And the new recipe was really good too, although clearly I will never get to have it again.
Apparently changing up the traditional dishes at Thanksgiving is akin to sacrilege. Who knew?
So this one is traditional. I mean, not for me. I never had this dish at all growing up, had never even heard of mashed carrots and turnips.
But for my husband, this dish was always a part of their turkey dinners. Turkey dinner without it just wasn’t the same. The first time I had it with his family, I’ll admit – I wasn’t a fan.
It seemed a little weird to mash carrots up. Why? There’s mashed potatoes, why waste space?
But I’m getting older now, and liking new things, and I quite enjoyed this when I made it for the first time this year.And the kids ate it too. Even the 4 year old that doesn’t eat vegetables.
For some reason, mashing up those veggies makes them a-okay with him. Fine with me.
Makes for a happy husband too – I might even make one of his favourite side dishes to go with turkey dinner now! Add to the traditional meal at our house. Because I think it’s okay to change things up.
If you are looking for a new side dish to try this Thanksgiving (or Christmas for my fellow Canadians that have already celebrated!), I would highly recommend this one.
Plus, it’s a great alternative to mashed potatoes if you are looking for lower carb options this year.
Now what other new side dishes can I add to the menu to shake things up – and maybe have another revolt on my hands?!
How to make Mashed Carrots and Turnips:
- Make sure the carrots and turnips are really tender (a fork should go into them very easily) before draining and mashing them (I like this style of potato masher) or they won’t be as smooth
- You don’t need to whip with an electric mixer, but they will be smoother and fluffier if you do have one
- You can make these ahead of time and reheat in the oven – just cover the dish in foil and reheat at 350F for about 20 minutes or until heated through
Here are some other great side dishes for you:
- Roasted Baby Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
- 7 Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipes
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Broccoli Salad
- Greek Salad
Mashed Carrots and Turnips
An easy low carb alternative to mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving dinner, these mashed carrots and turnips are delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Carrot, Peeled and sliced, about 4 1/2 cups
- 1 pound Turnips, Or rutabagas, peeled and cubed, about 3 cups
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Ground Black Pepper, To taste
Instructions
- Place the carrots and turnips in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil for 40-45 minutes or until very tender. Drain the vegetables.
- Add the brown sugar, butter, salt and pepper and mash the vegetables with a potato masher, and then whip with an electric mixer until they’re nice and fluffy.
- Serve with parsley for a garnish if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 130Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 292mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 6gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g
Nutrition Information is estimated based on ingredients used and may not be exact.
I’ve also shared this mashed carrots and turnips recipe over on Food Fanatic.
Sharon Forte
Tuesday 26th of November 2019
I make this every year and my husband who would never try turnip, does like this. Love this recipe.
GingerB
Friday 23rd of November 2018
OMG THANK YOU!!! My mother in law has been making this every year for Thanksgiving since I met her 30yrs ago but she just puts little of this and that.. I've tried to make it but could never replicate it cuz I wasn't sure exactly how much of each to put in. This came out exactly like I wanted. I am Thrilled to now have this recipe so I can make it for my kids on Thanksgiving! Thank You Thank You Thank You!
Stacey
Monday 26th of November 2018
Thank you for this comment - just made my day! I'm so glad you liked it!
Danielle
Thursday 26th of October 2017
Has anyone tried to freeze this
Kathy
Monday 6th of May 2019
These have been a staple in our family for over 50 years!
I make a big batch every time, let them cool down, and freeze serving size portions and I actually microwave them and add a little more butter and they are perfect! Just like I made them fresh! I use freezer bags in the quart size, put about a cup and a half in the bag, lay the bag flat to get any air out as the carrots/turnip mash works it’s way to the ziplock. I date them and freeze them stacked flat.
stacey
Saturday 28th of October 2017
Hi Danielle - this was my mother-in-laws recipe so I asked her if she thinks it would freeze well - she hasn't tried, but thought it would likely be quite runny after thawing if you freeze it. Hope that helps!
stacey
Saturday 28th of October 2017
I haven't actually tried to freeze it, but have reheated it from the fridge and it's been fine. I would think it would freeze and reheat but haven't tried it myself so I can't be positive if the texture would change...
Sherry Turner
Sunday 1st of October 2017
Am I just crazy or does any body else NOT see an actual recipe on this page!? Would love to know how you make it!
Joan
Sunday 13th of October 2019
Two years later And the recipe isn’t there. ☹️
stacey
Sunday 1st of October 2017
Hi Sherry - sorry about that - Food Fanatic made some changes to their site recently which messed up my recipe card on those recipes I've shared with them. Thanks for letting me know, it's fixed now and you should be able to see the recipe again.
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