| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 183 | 6g | 3.5g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 4g | 0.41g |
As a daughter of the vibrant cultures of Cuba and Spain now living in Miami, I’ve always had an affinity for the culinary arts. My affinity tends to waft between the fresh, flavorful bounty of the Caribbean and the earthy, rustic goodness of Spanish cuisine. Today, I’m immersing myself in a recipe that seems to bring both worlds beautifully together, the Celery Root Mash.
Channeling the Essence of the Celery Root
The beauty of the Celery Root Mash lies in its humble ingredients. Similar to the simplicity of a Spanish tortilla or a Cuban congri, this recipe focuses on less array of ingredients but lets each one shine. The celery roots, russet potato, and Granny Smith apple merge flawlessly into a savory yet subtly sweet blend, augmented with the creamy touch of whole milk and butter. When it’s all finished, a sprinkle of fresh chives and a dash of white pepper provide just the right hint of aromatic spice.
Health Benefits and Perfect Partnerships
More than just a delicious dish, Celery Root Mash serves up a heap of healthy benefits. Like most root vegetables, celery root is high in fiber and provides an excellent source of beneficial antioxidants. Additionally, it is rich in Vitamin K and some essential minerals. And when combined with the vitamin C from the apple and the potassium from the potato, it unfolds a tasty and nutritious side dish. For those who are on a gluten-free or Paleo diet, substituting traditional mashed potatoes with this Celery Root Mash can be an excellent option.
While delectable on its own, this versatile dish also pairs perfectly with various meals. Its creamy, comforting nature makes it an ideal companion for grilled meats or fish. Alternatively, for a light yet filling vegetarian meal, consider serving it alongside a hearty salad or roasted vegetables.
Whenever I prepare this Celery Root Mash, I’m reminded of my heritage and the culinary traditions that define it. The vibrant blend of flavors echoes the lively tropical tones of my Cuban roots and the earthy heartiness of my Spanish lineage. It’s yet another affirmation of how food creates a bridge between cultures and infuses our every day with a dash of delicious diversity. I hope you enjoy making and digging into this dish just as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large celery roots (approx. 2 pounds total)
- 1 large russet potato (approx. 1/2 pound)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 large Granny Smith apple
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Method
Step One
Start by peeling the celery roots and the russet potato. Next, chop them into 1-inch pieces. This does not have to be precise – the aim is mainly to ensure that they cook evenly.
Step Two
Take a large pot and add the chopped celery roots and potato. Pour in 4 cups of water or enough to cover the vegetables. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and leave to simmer until the vegetables are soft. This should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Step Three
During this time, you can peel, core, and grate the Granny Smith apple.
Step Four
Once the celery root and potato mixture is cooked, strain the water out. Add in the grated apple, whole milk, unsalted butter, kosher salt, and white pepper. Stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
Step Five
Use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture until smooth. Be very careful when blending hot mixtures – it is advisable to cool slightly and blend in batches if necessary.
Step Six
Once smooth, transfer the mash back to the pot and adjust seasonings to taste. Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh chives. This creates a delightful colour contrast as well as adding a fresh herby flavour.
And there you have it – your Celery Root Mash is ready to serve!
