Celeriac.
AKA celery root. Have you heard of it?
I know, I know – you’re probably thinking, celery again? Didn’t she just talk about celery? Well, yes – yes I did. But this isn’t celery! I mean take a look at it! Does that look like celery to you?
Not even close! In fact, it’s a pretty darn ugly looking vegetable don’t ya think? In fact you might even say, it’s a scary looking (insert scary Halloween music). But don’t let it’s looks fool you. This ugly duckling tastes much better than it looks!
Okay, it’s obviously not celery – so what is it? Well, it is related to celery, but this vegetable is specially grown for it’s root, not the stalk or leaves like the celery we’re typically used to. It’s also related to parsnips, carrots and parsley. So I guess it makes sense then that it tastes like a cross between parsley and celery!
Once you get through it’s hairy exterior – yes I said hairy- the texture of this veg is similar to a potato. So it just made sense to me to make a mash – Celeriac and Potato Mash. I think this is a lighter, more grown-up version of regular ole mashed potatoes. You still get the creaminess of a potato mash with just hints of parsley and celery in the background. Oh, and you’re not limited to cooking it – it tastes delicious raw too!
So don’t be intimidated by this ugly veg! And by-the-way , It’s super low in calories, and a good source of certain vitamins and minerals to help with bone and heart health. And you know what else? It’s Snoopy’s favorite vegetable! No not Snoppy the dog (although who knows!?) Snoopy the cat, my cat! He was very excited about this veg and couldn’t get enough. Check it out!
- 3 celeriac, about the size of a baseball
- 1 large potato
- ½ cup vegetable broth, hot
- ½ tablespoon butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon celery leaves, chopped
- Using a vegetable peeler, cut and peel celeriac and potato. Wash to get all the grit off.
- Dice and steam until tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size of dice.
- Using a potato ricer, rice the celeriac and potato into a large bowl.
- Add the vegetable broth and butter. Gently fold in.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with parsley and celery leaves if using,