Celery Root Stew Recipe

Have you ever had one of those cozy nights where all you want is a comforting bowl of something warm and hearty? That’s where this homestyle celery root stew comes in, blending rustic flavors with a touch of freshness that just makes your soul happy. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

As the chill of winter sets in, I find myself drawn to the kitchen to prepare a warm, hearty stew featuring the often overlooked—but oh so delicious—celery root. This unassuming vegetable has a mild, earthy flavor that complements perfectly the sweet carrots and fragrant onions that I like to use in my winter dishes.

Cooking these ingredients in good, fruity olive oil brings out their rich flavors and sets the stage for the thyme and bay leaf that provide a most excellent kind of aromatherapy while the stew simmers.

Ingredients

• Celery root: Low in calories, high in fiber, adds earthy flavor.
• Olive oil: Provides healthy fats, enhances flavor, aids cooking process.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness, rich in antioxidants, enhances savory depth.
• Garlic: Boosts immune function, adds pungency, contains beneficial sulfur compounds.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, provides sweetness, adds vibrant color.
• Celery: Low-calorie, provides a crunchy texture, rich in vitamins K and C.
• Vegetable broth: Enhances natural flavors, brings depth, base for soup consistency.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large celery root (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. A large pot is required for this recipe. Set it on medium heat and pour in the olive oil.

2. Introduce the diced onion and fry it gently until it is clear and without color, approximately 5 minutes.

3. In a minute, the delicious aroma of garlic will fill the room. Stir in some good-quality minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute with the rest of the ingredients until it is slightly golden brown. That’s when you’ll know it’s ready.

4. Put the diced celery root, sliced carrots, and sliced celery into the pot. Stir to mix with the onions and garlic.

5. Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the vegetables. Stir thoroughly.

6. Add the bay leaf, and then pour in the vegetable broth. Ensure that all the vegetables are completely underwater.

7.
1. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover the pot and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the celery root is tender.

8. Eliminate the bay leaf and mix in the lemon juice.

9. Season to your preference, adding extra salt or pepper as needed.

10. Serve the hot garnished stew, with fresh chopped parsley if you desire to garnish it.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Ladle
8. Vegetable peeler (optional, for peeling celery root)
9. Citrus juicer or squeezer (optional, for lemon juice)

FAQ

• What does celery root taste like?Celeriac, also known as celery root, has a delicate flavor that is similar to that of celery and parsley, yet slightly nutty. Celeriac is grown for its edible root, which is quite large and heavy. Unlike the more fibrous edible parts of celeriac, the root is dense and creamy, making it excellent for purées, soups, and other soft-textured dishes. Celeriac becomes crazily sweet with roasting, as do many vegetables. That’s because the long, slow exposure to heat caramelizes natural sugars present in the celeriac.
• Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?Indeed, chicken broth can be utilized in instances where a vegetarian diet is not being followed, as it will impart a slightly richer taste.
• How do I prevent the celery root from browning?After peeling and dicing it, you can put the pieces of celeriac into a bowl of water with a little lemon juice in it to prevent the celery root from turning brown while you get distracted and get ready to use it.
• How long does it take for the celery root to become tender?Simmer the broth. After it has cooked for about 25-30 minutes, the celery root should be tender.
• Can I add other vegetables to the stew?Certainly, you can include other root vegetables such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips to lend added depth and variety.
• Is the lemon juice necessary?Even though it’s not necessary, the lemon juice makes the flavors pop and evens out the richness, so it’s highly urged.
• How should leftovers be stored?Refrigerate uneaten food in a container with a good seal for up to 3 days. For anything you won’t be eating within that timespan, put it in the freezer.

Celery Root Stew Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Root celery: use parsnips or turnips as a stand-in and still achieve a similar, earthy taste.
Vegetable oil or butter can be used in place of olive oil.
Onion: For a more delicate taste, use shallots or leeks.
Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder, using about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Thyme that has been dried: Replace with nearly the same amount of fresh thyme or nearly equal amounts of oregano or rosemary.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Roasting: Before adding the celery root to the pot, consider roasting it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes with a little olive oil. This will enhance the flavor and bring out the natural sweetness of the celery root.