Turnips, known as Shalgam in Hindi, often don't get the attention they deserve in the culinary world. But when cooked with aromatic Indian spices, these humble root vegetables are transformed into a comforting and flavorful dish—Shalgam Masala. This recipe is particularly popular in North India, especially during the winter months when turnips are fresh and sweet.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this recipe will introduce you to the magic of Indian-style turnips—spicy, tangy, and utterly delicious!
🥕 What is Shalgam (Turnip)?
Shalgam (turnip) is a root vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, like cabbage and radish. It has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that becomes mellow and creamy when cooked. In Indian cuisine, shalgam is commonly used in dry sabzis (stir-fries), stews, curries, and even pickles.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Healthy & Nutritious: Turnips are low in calories, rich in fiber, and loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
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Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples in Indian kitchens.
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Comfort Food: It's warm, hearty, and pairs beautifully with roti or rice.
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Vegan & Gluten-Free: Naturally free of animal products and gluten.
📝 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
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3 medium turnips (shalgam), peeled and diced
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped or pureed
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1 green chili, slit (optional)
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1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
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2 tbsp oil (mustard oil or vegetable oil)
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Salt to taste
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½ cup water
Spices:
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½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
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¼ tsp mustard seeds (rai)
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¼ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
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1 tsp coriander powder (dhaniya)
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½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp garam masala
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½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder) or juice of ½ lemon
Garnish:
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Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
🍳 How to Make Spiced Turnips (Shalgam Masala)
Step 1: Prep the Turnips
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Wash and peel the turnips. Cut them into small bite-sized cubes.
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Optionally, boil or steam them for 5–6 minutes to reduce cooking time and enhance their softness.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
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Heat oil in a kadhai (deep pan). If using mustard oil, let it heat until it smokes slightly—this removes the pungency.
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Add cumin and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
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Add chopped onions and green chili. Sauté until golden brown.
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Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute till the raw smell goes away.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Spices
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Add chopped or pureed tomatoes to the pan.
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Cook on medium heat until the oil separates from the masala.
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Add turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 4: Cook the Turnips
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Add the diced turnips to the masala.
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Stir to coat the turnips evenly.
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Add ½ cup water, cover, and simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes or until turnips are tender.
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Stir occasionally and adjust water as needed to avoid sticking.
Step 5: Finish with Masala
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Once the turnips are soft and the gravy is thickened, sprinkle garam masala and amchur powder (or lemon juice).
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Mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
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Turn off the heat.
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Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
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Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
👩🍳 Cooking Tips
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Bitterness: Some turnips can be bitter. Blanching or lightly boiling them before cooking helps reduce this.
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Oil Choice: Mustard oil adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with any neutral oil.
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Add Potatoes: For added texture and volume, add some diced potatoes along with turnips.
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Pressure Cooker Version: You can also make this in a pressure cooker with 1–2 whistles.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Serve Shalgam Masala with phulka, bajra roti, or missi roti for a traditional North Indian meal.
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Add a dollop of plain curd (yogurt) and some pickle on the side.
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Pairs well with simple dal-rice for a comforting lunch.
🥗 Variations
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Shalgam Aloo Sabzi: Add potatoes for a more filling dish.
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Shalgam Methi: Add fresh fenugreek leaves for a bitter-green twist.
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Punjabi Shalgam Curry: Make it slightly soupy with more tomatoes and water.
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Shalgam with Meat: In non-veg households, turnips are sometimes cooked with mutton for a rich, earthy curry.
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm it in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of water.
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Freeze: Not ideal for freezing as turnips can become mushy upon thawing.
🧠 Nutritional Benefits of Turnips
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Low in calories, ideal for weight management
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Rich in fiber—great for digestion
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Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation
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High in vitamin C to boost immunity
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
This Spiced Turnip recipe brings out the natural sweetness and softness of the vegetable, complemented by a balanced mix of spices. The tang of amchur or lemon lifts the flavors, while garam masala adds warmth and complexity. The result is a dish that’s cozy, comforting, and full of character.
🌱 Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly
This dish contains no animal products and no gluten-containing ingredients, making it suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
📝 Final Thoughts
Shalgam Masala is one of those underrated dishes that deserve a spot in your weekly meal plan. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Indian home cooking. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite!
📸 Optional Garnishing and Serving Styles for Presentation
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Sprinkle freshly cracked pepper and roasted cumin powder before serving.
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Serve in a rustic clay pot or brass kadhai for authentic appeal.
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Add a side of sliced onions and lemon wedges for a street-style Indian thali look.