What Is Celeriac? Easy methods to Use The Fall and Winter Root Vegetable



Celery root has a refined celery-like style, however don’t confuse it with the stalks you snack on with peanut butter or cube for a mirepoix. This gnarly wanting root vegetable — additionally referred to as celeriac, knob celery, or turnip-rooted celery — comes from the identical plant selection as celery stalks (Apium graveloms), however it’s cultivated individually. 

The earthy, bright-tasting vegetable is equally versatile within the kitchen, nevertheless, whether or not roasted, mashed, or served uncooked for crunchy salads and slaws. Right here’s the whole lot it is advisable to learn about shopping for and utilizing celery root whereas it’s in season. 

Easy methods to purchase celery root

Search for celery root at farmers markets from early fall by means of early spring, or close to the foundation greens like turnips and rutabaga on the grocery retailer. When shopping for celery root, search for a agency root, in regards to the measurement of a giant apple, with none mushy spots. Like different root greens, celery root ought to really feel heavy for its measurement; don’t fear about grime on the outside, because you’re going to take away the pores and skin.

What does celery root style like?

Celery root has a definite earthy and herbaceous taste that you simply would possibly discover to style like some mixture of celery, parsley, and parsnips. It tastes a bit of bitter when served uncooked, nevertheless it has a pleasing sweetness that comes out when cooked. Texture-wise, celery root differs from different root greens in that it’s not fairly as starchy.

Search for a agency celery root, in regards to the measurement of a giant apple, with none mushy spots.

elenaleonova / Getty Photographs


Easy methods to retailer celery root

Preserve celery root within the crisper drawer of your fridge in an unsealed bag, unwashed, with a paper towel to soak up any extra moisture. It’ll final that manner for as much as three weeks. Wash and put together simply earlier than cooking. 

Easy methods to prepare dinner celery root

Earlier than you utilize celery root for recipes, minimize off the highest and backside gnarled components, and trim any greens (that are inedible). Then scrub it totally and peel off the pores and skin with a vegetable peeler.

Probably the most well-known celery root recipe is celery root puree, which has an identical texture to mashed potatoes and a barely candy, herbaceous taste, however that’s removed from all that this root vegetable can do.

Cube it or julienne it uncooked for salads; you possibly can place it in a bowl of water and a bit of lemon juice to assist forestall browning. You may also prepare dinner celery root very like potatoes or different root greens. Merely roast it with a bit of oil for about 15 to twenty minutes at 350°F, then take pleasure in as a facet dish or addition to salads, or use it in hearty gratins, soups, or stews for brightness and depth. Listed here are 10 recipes that make the case for including celery root to your cold-weather cooking arsenal.

Rutabaga, Celery Root and Potato Gratin

Picture by Greg DuPree / Meals Styling by Torie Cox / Prop Styling by Christine Keely

Thinly-sliced potatoes are layered with herbaceous celery root and rutabaga — and loads of cream and Parmesan — for this up to date tackle the basic cozy facet dish from meals author David McCann.

Swiss Military Stew

Jennifer Causey

This straightforward and hearty beef stew from cookbook creator Andrea Slonecker is studded with celery root together with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, celery, and leeks.

Spicy Pot Roast with Oranges, Candy Potatoes, and Calabrian Chile Gremolata

John Kernick

Chuck roast, candy potatoes, and root greens like celery root prepare dinner slowly in a spicy citrus-scented broth till meltingly tender for this satisfying meal.

Potato and Celery Root Biscuits

Picture by Jennifer Causey / Meals Styling by Torie Cox

These flaky thyme-scented biscuits from cookbook creator Chadwick Boyd are formed with a mash of potatoes, celery root, and cream earlier than baking to tender perfection.

Farro Salad with Roasted Root Greens

David Malosh

This straightforward fall grain salad will be served chilly or at room temperature. Root greens like celery root, carrots, and parsnips make it hearty sufficient for a facet or meal, and the residual oil from the roasting pan will get a second life as a easy French dressing.

Celery Root-Potato Pancakes with Inexperienced Apple Bitter Cream

© Tina Rupp

These crispy savory pancakes from chef Invoice Teleplan are made with grated celery root and potato, and offset by a vivid apple bitter cream.

Honey-Glazed Roasted Root Greens

© John Kernick

A mixture of root greens goes into this holiday-ready facet dish, made with celery root, parsnips, carrots, and beets. They’re roasted till fork-tender and caramelized, and tossed with a duo of honey and sherry vinegar. 

Winter Galette

John Kernick

This cold-weather tackle a Ratatoutille Tart from Gail Simmons is made with a hearty whole-wheat crust and topped with celery root, potato, acorn squash, and herbs like thyme and oregano.

Celery Root with Apples, Walnuts and Blue Cheese

© Frances Janisch

This candy and savory winter salad from 1996 F&W Greatest New Chef Maria Helm Sinksey requires uncooked celery root, Granny Smith apples, blue cheese, and a tangy Dijon dressing.

Chunky Borscht

© Christina Holmes

This earthy and brothy soup is stuffed with beets, parsnips, celery root, and slices of kielbasa for a satisfying cold-weather dinner. Recent dill and bitter cream add brightness to every spoonful. 

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