Are you looking for a new veggie to add to your meals? Look no further than kohlrabi! This versatile vegetable can be roasted, sautéed, or even eaten raw. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with tips and recipes for cooking kohlrabi that are sure to please your taste buds. Read on to learn more!
What is Kohlrabi?
Have you ever heard of kohlrabi? This unique vegetable is a member of the cabbage family and is commonly consumed in Germany and India. Kohlrabi has a bulbous shape with dark green leaves on top. The bulb part of kohlrabi can range in color from white to light green or even a purplish-red color. While kohlrabi may look intimidating, it is actually quite easy to cook and has a delicious, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with other vegetables and meats.
Why Should You Cook Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a vegetable that is often overlooked, but it is packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. One reason to cook kohlrabi is its high vitamin C content – a nutrient that supports your immune system and collagen production. In fact, a 1-cup serving of kohlrabi contains more than 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Additionally, kohlrabi is a good source of fiber, which is important for digestion and lowering your risk of heart disease. Plus, it has a low calorie count, making it a great addition to any meal for those watching their calorie intake.
The Benefits of Cooking Kohlrabi
While kohlrabi can be eaten raw, cooking it can make it more flavorful, tender, and enjoyable to eat. Here are some benefits of cooking kohlrabi that you might want to consider when preparing your next meal:
- Enhanced Flavor: Cooking kohlrabi can bring out its natural sweetness while mellowing out any harsh or bitter flavors. Roasting kohlrabi with olive oil and herbs can create a delicious side dish that pairs well with various proteins.
- Tenderness: Raw kohlrabi can be tough and difficult to chew, but cooking it softens the texture and makes it easier to digest. Kohlrabi can be boiled, sautéed, or steamed to your desired doneness.
- Increased Versatility: Cooking kohlrabi opens up a world of recipe possibilities. You can add it to soups, stews, and curries for extra nutrition and texture. Alternatively, you can slice it into chips and bake it for a healthy snack. Kohlrabi can also be grated and turned into fritters or patties.
How to Select and Store Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable that is a great addition to many dishes. It’s important to select the right kohlrabi and store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh and tasty.
Selecting Kohlrabi
When selecting kohlrabi, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a smooth surface. Avoid any that have cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Kohlrabi comes in both purple and green colors, and both are equally nutritious and delicious.
Storing Kohlrabi
After you’ve selected your kohlrabi, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh. Cut off the leaves and store the kohlrabi in a plastic bag in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored this way.
One thing to note is that kohlrabi is sensitive to ethylene gas, which is produced by some fruits and vegetables. If you store kohlrabi near ethylene-producing produce like bananas or apples, it may ripen too quickly and spoil. It’s best to store kohlrabi on its own or with other vegetables that don’t produce ethylene gas, like carrots or broccoli.
What Equipment Do You Need for Cooking Kohlrabi?
Before you can start cooking kohlrabi, you must ensure that you have the right set of equipment. Here are the essential tools that you’ll need:
A Sharp Knife
Since Kohlrabi is firm and dense, a sharp knife is essential for cutting it into the desired shape or size. A dull knife may ruin the whole cooking experience by bouncing off the vegetable’s sturdy surface.
A Cutting Board
For safety purposes and hygiene reasons, it’s best to chop kohlrabi on a clean cutting board to prevent cross-contamination and keep the counter clean. A wooden or plastic board will do just fine.
A Pot or Pan
You need a pot or pan to boil, roast, or sauté kohlrabi. The type of pot you use will depend on the recipe. For example, you can use a shallow pan to braise or fry kohlrabi pieces.
Basic Utensils
A spatula and a wooden spoon are useful for stirring and flipping kohlrabi in the pan. And if you’re preparing boiled kohlrabi, you’ll need tongs to take it out of the water. Other basic utensils include a colander, vegetable peeler, and measuring cups.
What are Some Delicious Kohlrabi Recipes?
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways. Here are five delicious kohlrabi recipes to get you started:
Kohlrabi Fries
Cut kohlrabi into thin slices and toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Enjoy as a tasty side dish or snack.
Spicy Kohlrabi Slaw
Finely shred kohlrabi and carrots and mix together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and cayenne pepper. Pour dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss well. Serve chilled.
Kohlrabi and Potato Gratin
Peel and thinly slice kohlrabi and potatoes. In a greased baking dish, layer the kohlrabi and potatoes with heavy cream, grated cheese, and salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, until golden and crispy on top.
Kohlrabi Soup
Peel and dice kohlrabi and onions, and sauté in butter until softened. Add vegetable stock, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat and simmer until the kohlrabi is tender. Puree the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Add cream and salt and pepper to taste.
Kohlrabi and Apple Salad
Peel and grate kohlrabi and apples and mix together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Pour dressing over the grated kohlrabi and apples and toss well. Serve chilled.
What are Some Cooking Tips for Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is an often-overlooked vegetable that can add a unique flavor and texture to any dish. Here are some cooking tips to make the most out of this cruciferous vegetable:
Tip #1: Seasoning
To enhance the flavor of kohlrabi, try seasoning it with salt, herbs, or spices. Some popular options include thyme, rosemary, and garlic. You can also use lemon juice or vinegar to add a tangy taste that complements the natural sweetness of kohlrabi.
Tip #2: Pairing with Other Vegetables
Kohlrabi is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of other vegetables to make delicious and nutritious dishes. Carrots, potatoes, and squashes are all great options that complement the subtle taste of kohlrabi. Roasting or grilling the vegetables can help bring out their unique flavors.
Tip #3: Don’t Overcook
Kohlrabi has a tendency to become mushy if overcooked, so it’s important to avoid boiling or steaming for too long. Roasting or sautéing kohlrabi can help it retain its texture and crunch, making it a great addition to salads and stir-fries.
Tip #4: Preparation
Before cooking kohlrabi, it’s important to properly prepare it. Wash the vegetable thoroughly and peel off the skin using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. You can then slice, chop, or julienne the kohlrabi depending on your recipe.
Tip #5: Storing Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if kept in a plastic bag or sealed container. Avoid storing kohlrabi with fruits or vegetables that produce ethylene gas, such as apples or tomatoes, which can cause it to spoil more quickly.
Tip #6: Kohlrabi Recipes
- Roasted Kohlrabi: Toss sliced kohlrabi with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
- Kohlrabi Slaw: Shred kohlrabi and carrots and mix with a dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and honey. Add raisins or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
- Kohlrabi Fries: Cut kohlrabi into thin strips and toss with cornstarch and spices of your choice. Fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
By following these cooking tips and trying out some new recipes, you can discover the delicious and nutritious world of kohlrabi!
Thanks for Reading!
We hope you found these tips and recipes helpful for cooking delicious kohlrabi dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things with this versatile and nutritious vegetable. Visit our site again for more tasty recipes and cooking inspiration!
Cooking Kohlrabi: Tips and Recipes for a Delicious Meal!
Ingredients
- 4 large kohlrabies
- ¼ cup of butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Scrub the kohlrabies, remove any tough stems or leaves, and peel them. Cut the kohlrabies into small pieces.
- Heat butter and olive oil on a frying pan, add onion and sauté until softened.
- Add garlic and paprika to the frying pan, stir everything together.
- Add the chopped up kohlrabi pieces to the frying pan and cook for about 25 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy hot and serve with your favorite main course dish.
