RecipesApicius

Turnips

Apicius 3.13.1 · 4th century AD

Latin

rapas siue napos elixatos exprimes. deinde teres cuminum plurimum rutam minus laser Particum mel acetum liquamen defritum et oleum modice; feruere facies et inferes.

English

Press out boiled turnips or swedes. Then grind plenty of cumin, less rue, Parthian laser, honey, vinegar, fish sauce, defrutum, and a little oil; bring to a boil and serve.

Ingredients

  • 600 g turnips or swedes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp dried rue
  • ½ tsp asafoetida
  • 2 Tb fish sauce
  • 2 Tb honey
  • 2 Tb vinegar
  • 2 Tb defrutum
  • 1 Tb olive oil

Method

  1. Peel and cut the turnips into large wedges. Bring water to the boil in a large saucepan, then add the turnips. Boil for 20 minutes, or until very soft.
  2. Drain, then mash, then pour into a mesh strainer and press to remove as much water as possible.
  3. Grind the cumin, rue, and asafoetida in a mortar and pestle. Place in a small saucepan along with the fish sauce, honey, vinegar, defrutum, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, then pour over the mash and serve.