The Celeriac is a rather unfortunate looking vegetable, and to make matters worse it is also known in some areas as Knob Celery – which may be rather funny but is not the most flattering moniker.
This blog post is here to give a big shout out to celeriac – the unsung hero of the root world. So why is this knarly vegetable so good.
1. It tastes damn fine. I would describe the taste sensation as celery with a rich earthiness thrown in for good measure.
2. It is healthy. Much less starchy than many of its rooty relatives, making it the perfect choice for those watching their figure.
3. It is versatile. I use it much in the same way as I would a potato in soups and stews but I also mash it up with my tatties to make them more interesting and healthy. A dollop of low fat creme fraiche and a wee bit of nutmeg would make the mash even better if that is possible!
Last week I made a lovely heart warming soup which gave me a great big festive hug. Tatties, celeriac, onion and nutmeg – simples!
Ingredients
3 medium potatoes chopped into cubes
Half a celeriac chopped into cubes
Large knob of butter
One onion
Clove of garlic
Half teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Chicken or vegetable stock
Methodology
Melt the butter in your pan and add the onion and garlic. Cook for around 5 minutes until soft
Add the cubed celeriac, potato and nutmeg and cook for around 5 minutes
Season with salt and pepper
Add stock – I use 1 and a half stock cubes and enough water to cover the veg plus an extra inch. Erm not the most scientific I know – I would estimate that this is around 500mls.
Bring to the boil and then simmer for around 20 minutes
Cool and blitz with your blender
Serve and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and crusty bread
A big old knarly festive hug to you all!