| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 145 | 10g | 3g | 11g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 5g | 7g | 0.5g |
If there’s anything I truly love about cuisine, it’s the delightful dance it can perform, marrying together unexpected ingredients into something truly delectable. A great example of this is ‘Braised Kohlrabi with Bacon. Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Luca, you’re an Italian-American chef, what’s with the kohlrabi?” Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret: good food knows no geographical boundaries.
Adventurous Tastes Rooted in Tradition
While my culinary roots lie predominantly in the savory staples of Italian-American cuisine, I’ve learned over the years the value and joy of branching out from tradition. Surprisingly, kohlrabi, a vegetable of the cabbage family, blends beautifully with classic Italian ingredients like lemon, garlic, and olive oil, giving a new twist to the hearty comfort food I grew up with. As an added bonus, it’s packed with vital nutrients such as vitamin C, fiber, and potassium – a perfect partner for the crunchiness of bacon!
Heightening Flavor with a Touch of the Familiar
My recipe for Braised Kohlrabi with Bacon, however, doesn’t entirely leave tradition behind. The bacon brings a familiar, smoky savoriness that beautifully counterbalances the sweetness of the kohlrabi, coupled with the bold flavors of garlic, onion, and a splash of lemon for a tangy kick. And let’s not forget the chicken broth: it bathes all the ingredients, presenting a warming wholesomeness that is truly reminiscent of family dinners at nonna’s.
There’s no doubt this dish would pair exceptionally well with some simple, rustic dressing and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta. Give it a go at your next dinner get-together, and you might be surprised at how well this hearty, homestyle fare can transport us all back to the cozy family tables of our childhoods.
That’s the beauty of food – it’s not just about eating, but experiencing, reconnecting, and innovating. I can assure you, regardless of where you’re from, this Braised Kohlrabi with Bacon will add some flavourful excitement to your table!
What You’ll Need
- 4 medium kohlrabi
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by peeling and cutting the kohlrabi into 1/2-inch cubes. Set them aside for later use.
Step Two
In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they are crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings inside.
Step Three
Add olive oil to the skillet along with chopped onions. Cook the onions over medium heat until they are soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it with the onions for a further 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Five
Mix in the cubes of kohlrabi, stirring all the ingredients together. Then pour in the chicken broth, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Crumble the cooked bacon and add that too.
Step Six
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the kohlrabi is tender.
Step Seven
To finish, add the chopped parsley and lemon juice, lightly stirring them into the mixture.
Step Eight
Serve your Braised Kohlrabi with Bacon hot, ideally as a delicious side dish to complement a main meal.
