½teaspoonHimalayan pink salt, or to taste (portion ¼ teaspoon, ¼ teaspoon)
to finish
½teaspoonfresh lime juice
Instructions
prepare the vegetables
Bring 2 cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add whole turnips and simmer until cooked two-thirds of the way, about 5–10 minutes. Drain water.
When turnips are cool enough to handle, slice them into half-inch wedges. If they are baby turnips, there's no need to peel. If the skins are thicker, peel them before slicing. Set aside until needed.
Remove kale or other greens from their stems. Chop, and plunge into a bowl filled with cold water. Swish the greens around with your fingers to remove any dirt, and set aside until needed. The greens will float to the top and the dirt will fall to the bottom.
Follow the same preparation with the leeks. Slice leeks into 6-inch lengths, and then in half lengthwise. Slice each half lengthwise again. Chop into half-inch pieces. Plunge into a bowl of cold water and swish around with your fingers. Set aside until needed.
cook the vegetables
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until just starting to brown. Add turmeric and optional asafetida directly to the oil, and sizzle for 20-30 seconds until you can smell the aroma.
Add leeks by removing them from the water with your hands and transferring to the skillet. The water will cause the oil in the skillet to sizzle, so be careful. Sauté leeks until golden brown.
Add the prepared turnips and kale, along with ¼-cup water and the salt. Stir well, and cover. Braise the vegetables for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked to your liking. Taste, and add more salt if needed.
to finish and serve
Transfer vegetables to a serving dish and squeeze on fresh lime juice.
Notes
Asafetida is a powder made from the sap of a plant relative of fennel. It is commonly used in Indian cooking, but is virtually unknown in the West.Asafoetida is sometimes associated with a sulphur smell, and is thus very unique, and nearly impossible to substitute. It is a wonderful spice once you get familiar with it. I highly recommend investing in it when you are ready. You can buy it here.