Get to know this quirky, knobby veggie! Learn about the health benefits, as well as the top 5 ways to use celery root in the kitchen.
Celery root is a fantastically fun vegetable. Also known as celeriac, the hairy root is a member of the parsley family, along with celery, carrots, and parsnips. This variety of celery, unlike the celery stalks we see more often, is grown for its underground tuber, like a potato. The edible root has a crisp celery-parsley flavor and can be enjoyed either raw or cooked.
Not only is this versatile veggie delicious, a one-cup serving provides you with 80% daily value of vitamin K, 21% daily value of vitamin C, and 13% daily value of potassium. Vitamin K is important for preventing bone fractures, and studies have shown that vitamin C and potassium have the potential to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. To enjoy it, all you need to do is remove the skin. It can be grated into salads, served with a dip like hummus, or cooked and incorporated into soups and stews.Â
Top 5 Ways to Use Celery Root
1. Grate It Into Salads. Use a grater to create a slaw that makes a perfect addition to any fresh salad. Combine with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and roasted butternut squash for a delicious winter-inspired light meal.
2. Serve Celery Root Crudité with Hummus. Chop this white vegetable into long stick shapes to make the perfect vehicle for your favorite hummus. One of my favorites is this Beet White Bean Hummus. The deep pink dip contrasts perfectly with the bright white vegetable!
3. Make a Creamy Soup with Pureed Celery Root. Saute up some leeks and garlic in a large soup pot, then add in cubed celery root and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Add in spices like white pepper and chili and blend together for a delicious warming soup on a cold day.
4. Roast it with Other Root Vegetables in a Cassoulet. It can be a wonderful addition to or replacement for parsnip in my Heirloom Bean Cassoulet with Root Vegetables. Just cube it or slice it and let the simmering flavors fill your kitchen!
5. Slice It Up Into Chips. These are a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought potato chips! Just slice it into thin circles using a mandolin, place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and salt, and bake in a 375-degree oven for about 15 minutes. Homemade chips in no time!
Find out how to use more plant foods with these handy guides:
Top 5 Ways to Use Tempeh
Top 5 Ways to Use Persimmons
Top 5 Ways to Use Quinoa
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