Turnips/Rutabaga Simmered in Date Syrup (Maye' Al-Shalgham)

We enjoy this delicious Iraqi recipe. It gives turnips/rutabaga/swedes a delicately sweet taste and a lovely hue. Modified from, Delights from the Garden of Eden by Nawal Nasrallah. NOTE: If using the small real white and purple type of turnip do not leave to soak in the water date syrup mixture after cooking as they may become waterlogged.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 2
• Yields: 2

Ingredients

• 1  lb  small turnip (by small I mean not the huge rutabagas, they are also called swedes in some European countries)
• 4  tablespoons  date molasses, I like to add more to taste (also called date syrup or dibis tamar in Arabic, found in Middle Eastern stores)
•  sea salt, to taste
•  water, to cover

Directions

1. Peel turnips and cut into thick wedges and then slice into each wedge sideways but not all the way through. (I say sideways yet you may not understand what I mean by that but I don't know the word for it!? Not vertical, not horizontal) This will be to let the date syrup soak in better.
2. Put them all in a medium pot, add date syrup and cover slightly with cold water.
3. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for about 30-45 minutes depending on turnips age.
4. Serve warm, sprinkled with a dash of sea salt if wished.
5. If not eating right away see note in introduction.
6. Enjoy!