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
4 comments:
I've never tried celeriac. I know some people grow it on the allotments but it can be quite temperamental to get going.
Celeriac is a two bag vegetable. You put one over the celeriac so you don't have to look at it. Then you put another one over your head in case the one on the celeriac falls off. Seriously though it is quite tasty and non-carby. Just looks like the vegetable equivalent of a Bad Hair Day.
Many thanks Jo - do give celeriac a try. I've never grown it I just get mine from the supermarket, but we like it.
All the best Jan
Hi Chris - just love your comment.
Have to agree it's not a pretty vegetable to look at, but then looks can so often be deceiving, - just love the taste and the fact they are low carb.
All the best Jan
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