Save Warm up your kitchen with this aromatic Curried Celeriac, a dish that transforms a humble root vegetable into a sophisticated vegetarian masterpiece. By roasting the celeriac first, we unlock its natural nutty sweetness before tossing it into a vibrant, creamy coconut sauce. It's an easy yet impressive dish that works beautifully as a hearty main or a standout side.
Save Celeriac might look rustic on the outside, but inside it holds a delicate, celery-like flavor that mellows and sweetens as it cooks. When paired with the warmth of ginger, garlic, and turmeric, it becomes a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a burst of spice.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 large celeriac (about 800 g), peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated.
- Spices: 2 tbsp curry powder (medium or hot); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional).
- Pantry: 3 tbsp olive oil; 400 ml coconut milk; 200 ml vegetable stock; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves, toasted cashews or peanuts, squeeze of fresh lime.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2
- Toss the celeriac cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
- Step 3
- While the celeriac roasts, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
- Step 4
- Add the garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Step 6
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable stock, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7
- Add the roasted celeriac to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Step 8
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 9
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, toasted nuts, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, make sure the celeriac cubes are dried properly before tossing them in oil. This helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown caramelization in the oven. Using a wooden spoon to stir the aromatics helps prevent burning while scraping up the flavorful toasted spices.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra protein, you can add a can of cooked chickpeas when you stir in the roasted celeriac. If you don't have celeriac on hand, this recipe is incredibly versatile; try swapping it for parsnips or sweet potatoes for a similar heartiness.
Serviervorschläge
This curry is best served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, but it also pairs excellently with warm naan bread or quinoa. Don't forget the fresh lime—it adds a necessary brightness that balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Save Enjoy this Curried Celeriac as a vibrant addition to your vegetarian rotation. Its combination of earthy vegetables and bold, warming spices makes it a truly satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute celeriac with another vegetable?
Yes, parsnips or sweet potato work beautifully as alternatives. Cut them into similar-sized chunks and adjust roasting time as needed based on the vegetable's density.
- → How do I prevent the curry sauce from being too thin?
Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for the full 8-10 minutes after adding the celeriac. The coconut milk will reduce and thicken naturally. For a thicker consistency, simmer a few minutes longer.
- → What type of curry powder works best?
Medium curry powder provides balanced flavor, while hot curry powder adds more heat. Choose based on your spice preference. Quality matters—fresh curry powder has more vibrant, complex flavors.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
- → What should I serve with curried celeriac?
Steamed basmati rice is traditional, but naan bread, quinoa, or cauliflower rice also pair wonderfully. Add a side of yogurt raita or fresh salad to balance the rich, warming flavors.
- → How do I know when the celeriac is properly roasted?
The celeriac should be golden brown on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork. This typically takes 25-30 minutes at 200°C, but check at 20 minutes if your pieces are smaller.