Creamy, Smoky Whipped Rutabaga

By Alqualonde

The rutabaga is peeled, cooked in milk, then mashed and whipped with cream cheese. The smokiness comes from smoked olive oil and smoked paprika; if you don't have the olive oil add just an extra pinch of paprika. Rutabaga also reheats much better than mashed potatoes; there is virtually no texture degradation after a day or two in the fridge. For this reason I really like these more than potatoes for a big dinner; you can make them ahead and reheat them with no problems.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 to 4 pounds rutabagas (two small or one large vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small chunks
• 2 tablespoons smoked olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper

Details

Adapted from thekitchn.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cut the rutabaga(s) in half crosswise. Place a half cut side down on a stabilized cutting board and carefully shave off the peel with a large chef's knife. Cut the peeled rutabaga into small slices about 1 inch thick. Repeat with the rest of the rutabaga.

Heat the butter in a large, heavy 4-quart pot, set over medium heat. When the butter has melted, stir in the chopped rutabaga and the garlic. Stir to coat the vegetables in butter, then sprinkle them with the salt. Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer, then turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the rutabaga is very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat and remove the lid. Let the vegetables cool for about 5 minutes.

At this point you can either leave the rutabaga in the pot and use a hand mixer to whip it, or you can transfer it to the bowl of a stand mixer and use the paddle.

Drop the cream cheese into the rutabaga and use the hand mixer or stand mixer to mash it into the vegetables. The rutabaga will crumble then slowly turn into a mashed potato consistency. Add the olive oil and smoked paprika and mix thoroughly. Taste and add more salt and some black pepper, if necessary. Serve immediately.