Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée

A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon: Quick and Delicious Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, work deadlines, and trying to squeeze in a moment for myself, finding time for elaborate cooking feels impossible. That’s why I’ve become a master of quick, healthy, and delicious meals, and this Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée is a perfect example. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly versatile, and tastes far more sophisticated than the minimal effort required.

I discovered this recipe while browsing a food blog (I can't remember which one exactly, but my apologies to the original author!), and immediately knew it was a winner. The subtle sweetness of the apple perfectly complements the earthy notes of the celery root and kohlrabi. It’s creamy, flavorful, and has that satisfying texture that makes it both a comforting side dish and a delightful addition to many meals. And the best part? It can be made ahead, freeing up even more precious time during my already jam-packed week.

Why this purée is my go-to:

• Speed: The entire cooking process takes under 30 minutes, and the prep time is even less.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep it the night before, and it’s ready to reheat in seconds the next day.
• Nutritional powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a healthy addition to my family's diet.
• Versatility: Serve it as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or fish, incorporate it into soups for extra creaminess, or even use it as a unique base for a savory tart.
• Delicious! It is simply delicious!

I usually serve this purée as a side dish with grilled salmon or chicken breast. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness provide a beautiful contrast to the savory protein. Sometimes, I get creative and use it as a base for a more elaborate meal, mixing in some sautéed mushrooms and herbs for a richer flavor. The possibilities are truly endless.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s the perfect demonstration of how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. No need for fancy culinary skills or a mountain of exotic ingredients. Just a bit of chopping, boiling, and ricing, and you'll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time. This purée has become a staple in my weeknight rotation, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too!

One tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings! A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley adds a lovely aromatic touch. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors, and a dash of nutmeg brings warmth and complexity. Feel free to adapt it to your personal taste preferences. I often add a pinch of garlic powder for extra depth.

So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish, remember this Celery Root, Kohlrabi, and Apple Purée. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights and a testament to the fact that simple meals can be both satisfying and extraordinarily flavorful.

Step-by-step

• Add celery root to a large pot of boiling salted water.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, 11-13 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer celery root to a large bowl.
• Return water to a boil; repeat with kohlrabi, then potatoes, cooking each separately until tender, 14-16 minutes for kohlrabi and 10-12 minutes for potatoes; add to bowl with celery root.
• Meanwhile, bring apple and 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a small saucepan.
• Cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until apple falls apart, 6-8 minutes, adding water by tablespoonfuls if dry.
• Working in batches, pass celery root, kohlrabi, potatoes, and apple through a potato ricer into a large bowl.
• Pass mixture through ricer again if a smoother texture is desired.
• Stir in butter.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and chill. Rewarm in microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Transfer to a large serving bowl.
• Garnish with chervil sprigs.