Celery Root

A favorite staple to have in your kitchen. Great for digestion and more!

I love when I come across a new ingredient (to me) that is bursting with flavor and nutrients. Often times, cooking with a new ingredient can be intimidating, but I have to come to really enjoy the adventure in trying new ingredients - so many more options than you originally thought of after one quick web search.

Celery root has been one of my favorites and was brought to my attention about 5-6 years ago when a vegan chef used it in one of her soups. Maybe I was late the celery root game, but I have learned there are many, just like me, unaware of the this fabulous root.

After talking with a friend yesterday that just came across the root recently, I was inspired to share our quick brainstorm with you all.

Celery root, or celeriac, is a nutrient-rich vegetable low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals, offering benefits such as supporting digestive health, heart health, weight management, and providing antioxidants for overall well-being. Its versatility in cooking makes it a valuable addition to various dishes.

Some options to choose from:

• Soups: while I love to puree my soups, celery root adding wonderful flavor, but also a smooth texture without having to add a potato, you can also simply chop in small pieces and add to any soup.

• Sautéed as a side.

• Celery root mash - you can also add a potato or two, making a really flavorful mashed potato dish. Add in leeks and garlic, salt and pepper, and you’ll be in for a real treat.

• Celery root hash - slice your root thinly and cook over the stove or in the oven as you would hash brown potatoes. A blend of root and potato also work well here. You can even throw in peppers and onions to make an updated O’Brien potato.

• Shred it and add to a slaw.

The easiest way to clean a celery root (for me) is to treat it like a pineapple of sorts. I simply cut off all the side with a sharp knife. You can use a potato peeler as well.

Certainly! Here's a simple recipe for roasted celery root: