Celeriac - A Beginners Guide to this great low carb vegetable plus a recipe for Celeriac Dauphinoise

Celeriac:
You Pronounce it: sell-air-e-ak

The unsung hero of the vegetable world, knobbly, odd-shaped celeriac has a subtle, celery-like flavour, with nutty overtones. Try it as mash, in big-flavoured, slow-cook dishes, or in its classic form, and as they do in France, as a remoulade.

Availability:
Celeriac is available year round but is at its best from September to April.

Choose the best:
Choose a firm root that feels heavy for its size. Avoid those that are discoloured.

Prepare it:
Using a sharp knife, top and tail the celeriac, then use a potato peeler to remove the rhino-tough skin. Expect to discard about a quarter of the celeriac by the time you've done this.

Store it:
In the salad drawer of your fridge before use. Celeriac discolours quickly, immerse in a bowl of water, after chopping to size, with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar added (also known as 'acidulated water').

Cook it:
Boils in 20 mins, roasts in around 40 mins when cut into rough-shaped chunks.

Carb Count:
Flesh only boiled 1.9g  per 100g

Now here is a nice recipe for Celeriac Dauphinoise you may like to try:

1 celeriac
300ml double cream
100 grams mature cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
Dried mixed herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
Optional 2 cloves garlic

Cut the celeriac into quarters then peel. Slice the celeriac into 5 mm thick pieces. Place a layer in a baking dish and add some double cream and dried herbs, salt and pepper. Continue layering up. Place in a hot oven 200 centigrade and cook for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and add a layer of grated cheddar cheese (optional). Place back in oven and cook until cheese is golden brown. Serves 4

This is one of our favourite foods and goes with anything, meat, fish and even tastes great warmed up for breakfast with a couple of poached eggs and some mushrooms, or try with some kippers. It really is great food at anytime and does not raise blood sugar numbers, which if you are a diabetic, is so important.

All the best Jan