| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 141 | 9g | 5.6g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 2g | 0.6g |
There’s a special fondness I have for Celeriac Mash, an earthy, comforting and somewhat exotic twist on a classic side dish. Rooted deeply within my family culinary traditions, it brings together my Italian-American heritage and my love for nourishing, wholesome food. Surprisingly simple yet incredibly flavorful, this recipe is a real delight for the senses and one I am excited to share with you. Allow me to tell you why I love this recipe.
Unearthing the Magic of Celeriac
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a bit of an unsung hero in the vegetable world, but don’t let its rugged exterior fool you. Beneath that gnarly surface lurks a vegetable with an incredibly smooth, pronouncedly earthy taste with a hint of parsley and celery. When mashed, the celeriac takes on a wonderfully creamy, velvety consistency that’s somewhat lighter than traditional potato mash, making it a fantastic alternative for anyone seeking to introduce variation to their culinary repertoire. Plus, celeriac is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with Vitamin K, phosphorous, and dietary fiber. It also happens to be low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’s easy on the waistline.
Versatility Meets Elegance
The beauty of Celeriac Mash, apart from its luscious texture and depth of flavor, is how effortlessly it pairs with a myriad of dishes. If you’ve savored the rich goodness of brasato al Barolo, a traditional Italian pot roast, you know how mashed potatoes or even polenta can set off the succulence of slow-cooked meat. Now imagine replacing those with the subtle aroma and distinct taste of celeriac. Or consider a serving of pan-roasted salmon, its delicate flavor heightened by a side of this delectably creamy mash. Celeriac Mash is also excellent served with roasted veggies or grilled chicken; the possibilities are endless.
A Family Tradition, Reimagined
If you’ve had Nonna’s divine homemade gnocchi, you’ve got a taste of our rich Italian-American culinary heritage. And while Celeriac Mash may not seem like a traditional dish you’d find on our family table, it embodies the same ethos – combining fresh, flavorful ingredients to create a dish that nourishes both body and soul. The use of celeriac, creamy and mashed to perfection, is my delightful twist on the comforting familiarity of mashed potatoes, bringing a novel take to nostalgic flavors. Whether enjoyed as part of a Sunday dinner spread or a simple weekday meal, Celeriac Mash always evokes a sense of home.
So now you see why I love this recipe: Celeriac Mash. It’s a creative alignment of taste and health, a flavorful journey towards redefining traditional culinary boundaries, and a gratifying tribute to my family’s food heritage.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of celeriac, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin with preparing your celeriac. After peeling it, cut it into evenly sized cubes. This will ensure that it cooks uniformly.
Step Two
Place the celeriac cubes into a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the celeriac to cook until it becomes tender, which should approximately take about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step Three
While the celeriac is cooking, take a small saucepan and combine the heavy cream, unsalted butter, and minced garlic. On medium heat, bring this mixture to a simmer and keep stirring until the butter completely melts. Remove from heat and keep it aside.
Step Four
When the celeriac has cooked, drain the water and return the cubes to the pot. Begin to mash the cubes with a potato masher until it reaches a smooth consistency. You could also use a food processor for a finer texture.
Step Five
Slowly add the cream mixture and milk to the pot of mashed celeriac, stirring continuously. Continue to stir until the mash has fully absorbed the liquid and become creamy.
Step Six
Taste the mash and season it with salt and black pepper as per your taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t remove it. So, add a little at a time.
Step Seven
Serve the celeriac mash hot. If desired, you can top it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving. This will add a nice color and enhance the taste.
