Celeriac Fries

Crispy Celeriac Fries: A Simple Yet Satisfying Side Dish

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and healthy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. My kids can be picky, but even they devoured these celeriac fries! They're surprisingly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a delightful departure from the usual potato fry. The secret? A fantastic homemade dukkah spice blend that adds a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish to something truly special. It's the perfect balance of nutty, earthy, and slightly spicy notes.

The preparation itself is incredibly straightforward. I usually prep the celeriac while dinner is cooking, making it a seamless addition to the meal. Peeling and cutting the celeriac into fries takes a bit of time, but it's a relaxing task, and the reward is well worth the effort. The dukkah, a staple in my kitchen now, is also easy to make. The nutty hazelnuts, fragrant sesame seeds, and pungent coriander and caraway seeds blend beautifully, creating a flavour profile that complements the celeriac perfectly. A simple toss in olive oil and salt before baking enhances the natural sweetness of the celeriac, bringing out its earthy goodness.

The dipping sauce is the icing on the cake (or should I say, the dip on the fries?). A creamy Greek yogurt base, infused with a hint of garlic and a touch of olive oil, provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, crispy fries. A dollop of mayonnaise, optional of course, adds extra richness and creaminess. The whole process, from start to finish, takes about 30 minutes, making it the perfect addition to a busy weeknight dinner. These fries are wonderfully versatile too. They’re fantastic with roast chicken, grilled fish, or even as a standalone appetizer. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond the Recipe: Exploring Celeriac's Versatility

Celeriac, often overlooked, is a root vegetable packed with nutrients and flavor. Its subtle earthy sweetness makes it a fantastic ingredient in a variety of dishes. Beyond these amazing fries, you can add celeriac to soups, stews, or even purees. Its mild flavor pairs well with many herbs and spices, making it a blank canvas for culinary creativity. I encourage you to explore its versatility; you might be surprised at how delicious and easy it is to incorporate into your everyday meals.

Tips for Perfect Celeriac Fries:

• Choose a good celeriac: Select a firm, heavy celeriac with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Properly cut fries: Aim for even-sized fries to ensure consistent cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will steam the fries instead of crisping them.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your fries.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite protein.
• Use as a hearty appetizer for gatherings or parties.
• Add to salads for a unique crunch and flavor.
• Enjoy them on their own with your favorite dipping sauce.

These celeriac fries have become a staple in my home, a simple yet satisfying side dish that's packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Give them a try, and I’m confident they'll become a favorite in your kitchen too. The combination of crispy texture, earthy flavor, and simple preparation makes them a winner for weeknight meals and special occasions alike. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 400 °F
• In a mortar and pestle, grind the sesame, coriander and caraway seeds individually until coarsely ground. Mix all and set aside.
• Add the hazelnuts to the mortar and crush to a fine crumb consistency. Add to the seeds and mix well
• Mix the cut celeriac with the olive oil, salt liberally and sprinkle the Dukkah all over.
• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes
• Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing all ingredients - Greek yogurt, salt, garlic and olive oil. Optionally add 1 Tbs of mayonnaise. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
• Sprinkle more Dukkah over the fries and serve with the dipping sauce on the side