Roast Celeriac with Lemon: Oven & Air Fryer Recipes

Roast Celeriac with Lemon (Oven or Air Fryer)

Roasting celeriac, also known as celery root, is an easy and delicious way to bring out its natural sweetness and unique flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Yotam Ottolenghi’s inventive recipes or simply looking for a new way to enjoy vegetables, this guide will show you how to roast celeriac to perfection. We’ll cover everything from how to roast celeriac in the oven or air fryer to various recipe ideas, including a delightful roast celeriac soup.

Roaste Celeriacd placed in a ceramic plate
Roaste Celeriacd

What is Celeriac?

Celeriac, or celery root, is a type of root vegetable closely related to celery. Despite its rough, knobby exterior, celeriac has a smooth texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It’s highly versatile and can be roasted, mashed, pureed, or used in soups and stews.

Why Roast Celeriac?

Roasting celeriac enhances its natural sweetness and brings out a lovely caramelized flavor. It’s a healthy and tasty alternative to more common root vegetables like potatoes. Plus, it’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

How to Roast Celeriac

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium celeriac (about 1 lb)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary

Instructions:

Preparing the Celeriac

  1. Peeling the Celeriac: Start by trimming off the top and bottom of the celeriac to create a stable base. Use a sharp knife to remove the thick, knobby skin, working your way around the root. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler for a more precise peel.
  2. Cutting the Celeriac: Once peeled, cut the celeriac into even-sized cubes or wedges. This ensures even cooking.

Oven Roasting Method

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the Oven’s Temperature to 400°F (200°C) before using it.
  2. Seasoning: Place the celeriac pieces in a large bowl. Pour in a little olive oil, then squeeze in the lemon juice and zest.
    Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roasting: Spread the celeriac pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the celeriac is golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through cooking.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Seasoning: Follow the same seasoning steps as for oven roasting.
  3. Air Frying: Place the seasoned celeriac pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Roast celeriac can be enjoyed as a side dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or served alongside roasted meats or fish. It’s also delicious in salads or as a topping for soups and stews.

Roast Celeriac Recipes

A) Whole Roast Celeriac

For a stunning presentation, try roasting the celeriac whole.

Whole Roast Celeriac Recipe
Whole Roast Celeriac Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole celeriac
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the celeriac and place it on a baking sheet.
  2. Seasoning: Rub the celeriac with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
  3. Roasting: Roast in the oven for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the celeriac is tender when pierced with a fork. Slice and serve with your favorite main dishes.

B) Transform your roasted celeriac into a comforting soup.

Roast Celeriac Soup in a white bowl served with bread
Roast Celeriac Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 roasted celeriac (cubed)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cream or coconut milk for added richness

Instructions:

  1. Sautéing: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
  2. Simmering: Add the roasted celeriac and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  3. Blending: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, pour the soup into a blender in batches.. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in cream or coconut milk if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I Roast Celeriac?

A. Absolutely! Roasting is one of the best ways to enjoy celeriac, bringing out its natural sweetness and enhancing its flavor.

Q. Can You Roast Celeriac?

A. Yes, you can roast celeriac either in the oven or an air fryer. Both methods yield delicious results, with the air fryer offering a quicker cooking time.

Q. Tips for Perfectly Roasted Celeriac

  • Uniform Cutting: Cut the celeriac into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
  • High Heat: Roast at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.
  • Toss Halfway: Stir or shake the celeriac halfway through cooking to promote even browning.

Q. Roast Celeriac Ottolenghi Style

A. Yotam Ottolenghi, known for his vibrant vegetable dishes, often includes celeriac in his recipes. Try adding Middle Eastern spices like cumin and coriander, or finish with a drizzle of tahini and fresh herbs for an Ottolenghi-inspired twist.

Conclusion

Roasting celeriac is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this underrated root vegetable. Whether you’re roasting it whole, cubed, or transforming it into a soup, the possibilities are endless. Now that you know how to roast celeriac, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen!

Pruthvi Rathod
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