You cook celery root by peeling it, cutting it into chunks, and cooking it until tender.
Celery root, also called celeriac, is that knobby, ugly-looking vegetable sitting in your grocery store’s produce section.
If you’ve ever wondered how do you cook celery root, you’re in the right place.
This humble root vegetable is surprisingly versatile and delicious when prepared properly.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cook celery root, from choosing the right one at the store to serving it on your dinner table.
Let’s dive in.
How Do You Cook Celery Root: The Basics
When you cook celery root, you’re working with a vegetable that has a tough, knobby exterior and creamy, white flesh inside.
The flavor is mild and earthy with subtle celery notes, making it perfect for mashing, roasting, or adding to soups.
Here’s what you need to know before you start cooking.
1. Choose the Right Celery Root
Look for celery root that feels heavy for its size and has firm, unblemished skin.
Smaller roots tend to be more tender, while larger ones can be woody and fibrous.
Avoid any with soft spots or signs of mold.
2. Peel It Properly
The key to cooking celery root is removing all the tough outer skin and fibrous layers.
Use a sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom, then cut away the skin in downward strokes.
Don’t be shy, you want to get down to the creamy white flesh underneath.
3. Cut It Evenly
Once peeled, cut your celery root into uniform chunks or cubes.
This ensures even cooking whether you’re boiling, roasting, or steaming.
If you’re not cooking it right away, drop the pieces in lemon water to prevent browning.
Different Ways to Cook Celery Root
There are several methods for how do you cook celery root, and each gives you a different texture and flavor profile.
1. Boiling and Mashing
Boiling is the easiest way to cook celery root.
Place your peeled chunks in a pot, cover with salted water, and boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain and mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper just like you would potatoes.
The result is a silky, flavorful mash that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
2. Roasting for Deep Flavor
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in celery root.
Toss your cubes with olive oil, salt, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You’ll end up with golden, caramelized pieces that are crispy outside and tender inside.
3. Making Creamy Soup
Celery root shines in soups.
Sauté onions and garlic, add your celery root chunks and vegetable broth, then simmer until everything is soft.
Blend until smooth and finish with a splash of cream or coconut milk.
This makes a comforting, elegant soup that tastes restaurant-worthy.
4. Raw in Salads
You can also cook celery root without actually cooking it.
Thinly slice or julienne raw celery root and toss it with lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
The crunchy texture adds a wonderful contrast to leafy greens.
Tips for Cooking Celery Root Perfectly
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you cook celery root.
1. Don’t Skip the Lemon Water
Celery root oxidizes quickly once peeled, turning brown within minutes.
Keep a bowl of cold water with lemon juice nearby and drop pieces in as you work.
This simple step keeps your celery root looking fresh and appetizing.
2. Pair With Potatoes
If you’re new to cooking celery root, try mixing it with potatoes.
A 50/50 blend in mashed potatoes adds a subtle celery flavor that complements the dish without overpowering it.
3. Save the Trimmings
Don’t toss those peelings and scraps.
Simmer them in water with onions and carrots to make a flavorful vegetable stock.
It’s a great way to get extra value from your celery root.
4. Watch Your Cooking Time
Celery root cooks faster than potatoes, so keep an eye on it.
Overcooked celery root becomes mushy and waterlogged, losing its pleasant texture.
Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests.
So, How Do You Cook Celery Root?
You cook celery root by peeling it, cutting it into chunks, and cooking it until tender.
Whether you boil, roast, or blend it into soup, this versatile vegetable delivers mild, earthy flavor and creamy texture.
The methods above show you exactly how do you cook celery root in ways that suit any meal.
Just remember to peel thoroughly, prevent browning with lemon water, and season generously.
With these tips, you’ll be cooking celery root like a pro in no time.