Seasonal food -celeriac

Celeriac An Unsung Hero

Itmay notbethe most beautifulof veg, but underneathitsknobbly exterior is aworld ofpotentialand deliciousdishesfeaturing that delicate celery flavour. An excellent low-cal, low-carb alternative to potatoes, it’s packedfullofvitalnutrients too.Raworcooked, here are6 waysceleriaccanspiceupyour diet.

Thewholehog

Scrub clean andtrim awhole celeriac. Ruball over with olive oil,andplace on alarge sheetof baking foil, rootsidedown.Scatter over wholegarliccloves, herbsand seasoningtotaste,then wrapthe foiltightlyaroundthe celeriac, placeonatrayand roastinthe bottom ofan oven for2hoursat 180C.When cooked,unwrap,cut offthetopanddigin.

Chip offtheoldblock

Pre-heat your ovento 230C. Peel aceleriacand cutintofat chips. Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, drain and throw the chips back into the saucepan with 4tbsp veg oil, sea salt and otherseasoning to taste. Toss,then spread thechips over alargeheavy bakingsheetandcookinthe oven forabout30-35minutes.

Grateexpectations!

Thisceleriacand carrot remoulade side dish(a bitlikecoleslaw)is fullofflavourandready in aflash. Grateaceleriacand onelarge carrotandputthem in alargebowl with asmall bunchofchopped dill,6tbsplightmayo,the juiceof half alemon andsalt andpepper. Mixthoroughly andenjoythe refreshing crunch!

Supersalads

Withspringuponus, we’llbe eatinglighter andenjoying more salads. Trymaking ribbonsfromrawceleriac andmixingitwithsome tasty ingredients to reallypacka healthypunch –suchascapers, gherkins,mustard, yoghurt, anchovies, herbsandspicesor sherryvinegar. Youcan create ahostofsaladsthatthewhole familycan enjoy.

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Perfectpuree

Peel andcut awholeceleriacinto 2cmdice,andcookgentlyfor 20 minutesin apanwith alittle butter,olive oiland seasoning until verysoft.Inanother pan, bring150ml double cream to the boil. Tip the cooked celeriac into a food processor and, adding the double cream gradually, whizz until smooth. Push through a fine sieve. Celeriac’s deliciousaroma andflavour goeswithsomany other ingredients, butitpairs particularly wellwithapples, pears, raspberries, melon, watermelon,butternutsquash, quinoa,rum,skatewingsand elderflower.