Sharp, sweet and crisp, celeriac and apple tartare is a simple - essential! - winter side dish. A perfect complement to a hearty holiday or family meal.
- 1 small celeriac you will only use part of the celeriac; see below for leftover celeriac ideas
- 1 lemon juiced; divided use
- 2 crisp apples
- 4 radishes
- 4 tbsp pomegranate arils/seeds
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil more to taste
- 1 tbsp best honey or maple syrup optional; or low-carb liquid sweetener
- baby herbs of choice I used sorrel; other ideas are mint and tarragon
- flaky salt to finish
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Trim and peel the celeriac. Give it a rinse, then place the celeriac cut side down (to stabilise it for cutting) on a cutting board. Using a sharp, and if possible, large, heavy chef's knife, slice the celeriac in half. Wrap up one half and slice the other half as thinly as you can. The thinner the better for taste and texture, I think. Add 2 tbsp of the lemon juice to a bowl of cold water and add the celeriac slices.
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Core and thinly slice the apple. Top and tail the radishes and thinly slice.
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Drain the celeriac slices and shake gently. Start arranging the celeriac and apple slices in any pattern - or not - that pleases you. Top with the pomegranate arils and sliced radishes. Drizzle over honey or low-carb sweetener, good olive oil, as much lemon as you wish, and sprinkle on some flaky salt and the herbs. Serve right away.
Options: add some protein by sprinkling over some toasted pine nuts, cobnuts, walnuts, or slivered and toasted almonds. Or, what about shavings of best parmesan or other hard, flavourful dairy or non-dairy cheese?
Method: Consider grating or spiralising the celeriac and apple for a less composed look. Children are more likely to give this a try if you grate this salad.
Make a dressing: instead of drizzling over the oil, honey and lemon, whisk them up and add some chopped herbs and poppy seeds.
Leftover celeriac: I've got recipes in my Index, but these spring to my mind as I'm typing - Roasted Celeriac with Rosemary and Garlic (to make a 2-person version), Celeriac Rösti Waffles, Velvety Celeriac and Chestnut Soup.