Puree of Celeriac with Pears

From EatingWell: November/December 1995 — Subscribe Now!

With its distinctive earthy flavor, celeriac (celery root) makes an interesting alternative to mashed potatoes or pureed squash. Pears add a touch of sweetness.

6 servings, 2/3 cup each

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds celeriac (3 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste, divided
Salt to taste
2 firm ripe pears, preferably Bosc
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
2 teaspoons butter or extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Place celeriac in a large saucepan. Cover with water, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and season the water with salt. Bring to a boil. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle boil and cook, covered, for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel pears and cut into 1-inch chunks. Add the pears to the pan; continue cooking until the celeriac and pears are very tender, about 10 minutes longer. Drain and puree in a food processor.
Return the puree to the pan. Stir in thyme and butter (or oil). Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: The puree can be kept warm in a water bath for up to 1 hour or it can be prepared ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a water bath or the microwave.

Nutrition

Per serving: 124 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 0 g mono); 3 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 5 g fiber; 238 mg sodium; 642 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (33% daily value), Potassium (19% dv).

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch