In order to roast turnips, it is necessary to have a dry source of heat and a pan that is not too large. You can wash the turnips if you like, but if you do so it is necessary to allow them to dry completely before you place them in the oven. It is also necessary for the turnips to be roughly uniform in size if you want them to cook evenly, so you should slice them carefully before roasting. Any spices or other additions are purely a matter of taste, though you will get the best results if you roast turnips that have been basted in oil or butter. The turnips should then be roasted until they turn golden brown in color, though you will want to be careful to remove them from the heat before they become too dry.
Turnips are a type of root vegetable that can be boiled, grilled, roasted, and even eaten raw. Roasting is a fairly easy way to prepare turnips, so it is a good place to start for people who are unfamiliar with the vegetable. This method is very similar to roasting meat, and other types of root vegetables, in that it involves the application of dry heat. That causes the water content in the turnips to evaporate, while also caramelizing the sugars and browning the exterior. Properly roasted turnips will be crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.
The best way to roast turnips is to use an oven, though just about any other source of dry heat will also work. In order to get the best results, you may want to begin with a lower heat and gradually turn it up as the roasting process goes on. This can help ensure that the turnips become crisp on the outside without completely dehydrating. You should also choose a pan that is properly sized, as crowding your turnips into a small pan can prevent them from browning. Roasting turnips that are too wet can also result in a steaming effect that is undesirable.
There are many different ways to prepare roast turnips, though cutting them into uniform slices is an easy way to ensure they cook evenly. After you have sliced them up, you may also want to consider brushing on some oil or butter. Vegetable oil can be used to make vegan roast turnips, though using butter can result in a richer flavor. Though the flavor of the final product will differ depending on your choice, any type of oil will help brown the roast turnips. You may also want to add some herbs or spices when you baste the turnip wedges, though that is a matter of personal taste.