Smashed Rutabagas with Ginger-Roasted Pears

A comforting side dish combining creamy mashed rutabagas with sweet roasted pears, enhanced with fresh ginger, thyme and butter. The rutabagas are perfectly balanced with the caramelized pears for a unique and flavorful accompaniment.

8 servings
1 hr 20 min

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds rutabagas, peeled, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch cubes
  • 1 spray Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • teaspoons sugar
  • 3 whole firm Anjou pears
  • cup heavy whipping cream
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 to taste Coarse kosher salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook rutabagas in pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 35 minutes.

    35 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Combine oil, lemon juice, ginger, and sugar in large bowl. Add pears; toss to coat. Spread on prepared sheet. Roast until tender, turning pears every 10 minutes, about 35 minutes total.

    35 min

  3. 3.

    Drain rutabagas; return to same pot. Mash to coarse puree. Stir over medium heat until excess moisture evaporates, 5 minutes. Add cream, butter, and thyme. Mix in pears and any juices from baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to microwave-safe bowl. Cover; chill. Rewarm at 1-minute intervals.

    10 min

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