Celery root, also known as celeriac, is a wonderfully versatile and underappreciated vegetable that can elevate your meals with its unique flavor and texture. If you’ve ever wondered, how do I cook celery root?-you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prepping to cooking methods, with easy tips and delicious ideas to get you started.
What Is Celery Root?
Celery root is a knobby, round root vegetable about the size of a grapefruit. Despite its rough exterior, the inside is creamy white with a mild, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of celery, parsley, and a hint of onion. It’s not the root of the celery stalk you find in stores but a close botanical relative bred specifically for its root.
Celery root is a fantastic low-carb alternative to potatoes, making it popular in keto and healthy eating circles. It’s available year-round but shines in fall and winter dishes.
How to Prepare Celery Root
Peeling and Cutting
Peeling celery root can be intimidating due to its rough, bumpy skin. Here’s a simple way to do it:
– Use a sharp knife rather than a peeler because of the tough, uneven surface.
– Cut off the top and bottom to create flat surfaces so the root stands steady on your cutting board.
– Carefully slice off the thick, brown skin and any hairy roots until you reach the creamy white flesh inside.
– Cut into your desired shape-cubes, slices, or sticks depending on your recipe.
Tip: The celery stalks attached to the root can be saved and used for homemade stocks.
Cooking Methods for Celery Root
1. Roasting
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of celery root and gives it a lovely caramelized flavor.
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Toss peeled and cut celery root cubes (about 1 to 1.5 inches) with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
– Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and golden brown.
– Optional: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.
You can also grill celery root cubes for a smoky twist if you prefer.
2. Sautéing
For a quick and flavorful side:
– Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add celery root cubes and sauté until browned in spots, about 5-6 minutes.
– Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
– Add a splash of water, cover, and steam until tender (about 5 minutes).
– Uncover, add herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), salt, and pepper.
– Cook until the liquid evaporates and the celery root is tender and coated with herbs.
3. Boiling and Mashing
Celery root makes a creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
– Peel and cut into 1-inch cubes.
– Boil in salted water until very tender (about 20 minutes).
– Drain and mash with butter.
– Gradually add warm milk or cream until smooth.
– Season with salt, pepper, and fresh chives or parsley.
4. Celery Root Fries
A fun twist on fries!
– Peel and cut celery root into fry-shaped sticks.
– Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (paprika or Cajun seasoning work well).
– Arrange on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 25-35 minutes, flipping occasionally until crisp and golden.
5. Celery Root Gratin
For a comforting, cheesy dish:
– Thinly slice peeled celery root.
– Simmer cream with garlic, then layer celery root slices in a buttered baking dish.
– Sprinkle with Parmesan, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg between layers.
– Pour cream over the layers.
– Bake covered at 350°F for about an hour, then uncover, add Gruyère cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Tips for Cooking Celery Root
– Always peel well to remove the tough outer skin; any brown bits left can be woody and unpleasant.
– To prevent browning after peeling, toss the pieces in lemon juice or vinegar if you’re not cooking immediately.
– Celery root pairs well with herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, and spices like nutmeg and cayenne.
– It’s excellent in soups, stews, salads (grated raw), and as a substitute for potatoes in many recipes.
Celery root is a delightful vegetable that’s easy to cook once you know how. Whether roasted, sautéed, mashed, or baked in a gratin, it adds a unique flavor and texture to your meals. Give it a try-you might just discover your new favorite veggie!