Cozy Celery Root Soup
From root to leafy top, Celery root is delicious and versatile.
It adds a unique taste and plethora of health benefits.
It may appear to be an awkward and knobby shaped root with fuzzy, brown skin, but don’t let that deter you from giving celery root a try. Looks aside, once cut open a fresh, celery aroma hits the scenes. Celery root has a long history in European Cuisine as it has been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Underneath the bumpy, brown exterior is white flesh that has a bright celery flavor and crisp texture. Celery root is also deeply rooted in French cuisine and was the first recorded as a culinary ingredient in France in the 17th century. Julia Child, a famous and charmed French chef, has famously used celery root. Her most popular recipe being Celery Root Remoulade consists of finely grated slaw that can be used to top salads, fish, or poultry dishes.
Celery root -also known as celeriac or knob celery, is closely related to celery, parsley and parsnips. It has leafy tops that look like celery or parsley and a fuzzy root that develops in nutrient soil. Celery root is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber and vitamins B6, C, and K. It is also a good source of antioxidants and important minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and manganese. Its taste resembles that of celery, and can be eaten cooked or raw. It is important to note that cooking celery root can deplete their nutritional value, so we created a recipe that uses a steaming method. The steam water holds many of the nutrients, and makes a delicious broth for soups.
Inspiration in the kitchen often comes from discovering new vegetables. Typically, celery root can be found in grocery stores, but you can only find the root. The tops need to be used fresh after harvest since they will not store as long as the root. We pride ourselves on giving our customers unique experiences through the food they receive in their CSA box.
Selection and Storage: The finest selection of Spade & Plow’s Celery Root can be found in this week's CSA box or at the Spade & Plow’s farmers market booth. To store Celery Root, cut tops from the root and place it in separate plastic bag in the crisper drawer. It will keep fresh for 4-7 days in the refrigerator.
Celery Root, Leek, and
Potato Soup
This recipe was created for our CSA members to utilize the produce they received in this week’s CSA box. We hope to inspire you to try new things.
Place cut celery root in lemon water to prevent oxidization.
Ingredients:
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup “steamed” broth
Celery root
2 medium leeks
4-5 Yellow Potatoes
2 cloves Garlic
1 lemon, juiced
Salt & pepper to taste
Steam Celery root, Leeks, and Potatoes until soft
Recipe:
Peel and cut celery root into cubes. Place into water with lemon juice to stop oxidation.
Chop potatoes and leeks.
Steam Celery root, Leeks, and Potatoes for 20 minute, or until soft.
Last 10 minutes: Add the celery tops to wilt. Set tops to the side for garnish, or blend them into the soup!
In a large blender, blend steamed vegetables with 1 cup of the stock.
Quickly sauté garlic in your soup pot.
Pour soup back into the pot and add 4 cups of vegetable stock.
Season with Salt & Pepper.
