Kohlrabi
I’m trying to keep a promise and practice what I
preach. You know the one- “try a new
fruit or vegetable on a regular basis.”
There was a great deal of chatter around my office last
summer about how the kids just loved their taste experience. Not wanting to be
shown up by a bunch of 2nd graders, I decided I would grow some in
my garden this year. I went out to weed the other day and there it
was already for harvest- Kohlrabi.
I must admit, when eaten raw it didn’t taste sweet like I
was told it would. It actually tastes
like a cross between a turnip and cabbage, as the Latin derivative of the name
suggest. (“Kohl” meaning cabbage and “rabi” or rapi, for turnip.) I am going to experiment with some recipes until
I land on one I like. In the meantime, I’ve
done my research and here is what you need to know about kohlrabi:
Basic
Uses:
Raw: a fresh bulb should be
crisp, juicy and refreshing. You may eat it peeled or skin scrubbed clean.
Serve it shredded in a salad, cut into julienne strips and eaten with a dip or
soft cheese. When grated, it can be made into a slaw.
Cooked: to bring out its sweetness,
blanch and use in salads or a single serve vegetable. Kohlrabi can also be
steamed or boiled, with or without the skin. Serve with a light cream or cheese
sauce, flavored butter or vinaigrette. Sauté
or stir-fry with shallots, onions and add marjoram, thyme, nutmeg or ginger.
Don’t throw out the leaves!
Kohlrabi leaves are edible and can be prepared as you would spinach.
Storage:
The bulb and leaves should be removed and stored separately.
The globes can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, while the
leaves, stored in a perforated plastic bag will last a few days.
Here is a recipe to try that may prove to be delightful:
Balsamic-tinged Kohlrabi
4 medium or 3 large kohlrabi globes, about 2-2 ½ pounds
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4/ tsp. kosher salt
½ cup water
Pepper to taste
1 Tbsp. chopped chives
Directions:
1. Trim
and peel globes. Cut into ¾ inch slices, then dice, to make 2 ¼ cups.
2. Heat
oil in skillet and add kohlrabi.
3. Toss
to coat with oil and cook for about 6 minutes or until lightly brown.
4. Sprinkle
with salt, add water and bring to boil.
5. Cover
and simmer over low heat until tender, stirring often.
6. Once
tender, if water remains in skillet, pour off and add vinegar and pepper and
stir to glaze vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Add chives
and toss. Serve hot.