Known as 'The Ugly One' (which we think seems unfair) this seasonal British stalwart has a multitude of uses, a high nutrient profile and is full of fiber. What's not to like?
Raw, roasted or pureed in a silky smooth soup we love it's subtle celery like flavour and earthiness. Here's a few ideas....
Prepping it can be a bit involved but only if you see it as a chore. Study your veg, admire its knobbliness, touch those roots, prepare with reverence. Top and tail your celeriac, then peel. It may benefit from a quick rinse as they're usually a bit muddy.
Classic Remoulade
One of the first vegetable recipes I did as an apprentice chef. Back in the fine dining days Celeriac Remoulade was everywhere. Nothing posh about it really and still ubiquitous in France. Here's our version
1 small or half a large Celeriac, peeled and either grated or cut into thin matchsticks
1 Beetroot, grated or cut into matchsticks
Juice of one Lemon
2 Large tbsp of Mayonaise
2 Large tbsp of Creme Fraiche
Tsp Dijon or Wholegrain mustard
Handful of parsley chopped
Handful of toasted Walnuts chopped
Salt and Pepper
Place your prepared celeriac into a bowl along with the parsley and walnuts. Mix the remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl. Have a taste and adjust to your liking, more lemon? more mustard? You know what to do! Pour your punchy dressing over your vegetables and massage in. You're essentially making a slaw here but you probably already realised that.
Enjoy with good bread for a simple lunch, plonk a pile next to some oily fish or serve as part of a selection of hors d'oeuvre.
Cumin and Chilli Roasted Celeriac
Heat your oven to 200
Prepare your celeriac and cut into chunks or wedges
Place in a suitable roasting tray and toss with a good glug of olive oil, 2 tsp Cumin seeds, a large pinch of chilli flakes, salt and pepper
Crush 3 garlic cloves and throw those in for good measure
Roast for 30-40 mins. Check for doneness. If they're soft and looking good they're done.
Squeeze over the juice of one lemon and some chopped parsley.
Enjoy!
Celeriac Mash
We're not going to tell you how to make mash. You already know how to do that and have your preferred way. But next time you do, add some diced celeriac in with your potatoes. Mash it up! (butter helps). Fingers crossed your kids wont even know it's in there. Two of your Five a day. Result!