Plated + Served: Sunchokes
Gnarled and knobby can be beautiful.
Presenting: the sunchoke (aka Jerusalem artichokes).
But let’s clear up something first: sunchokes aren’t from Jerusalem, nor are they artichokes. But they are native to North America and are a tuber that forms beneath a sunflower. They look a lot like raw ginger.
Sunchokes usually get pureed into oblivion with another veggie so you miss the sweet, nutty flavor. Their texture is crisp and light… a lot like water chestnuts.
But sunchokes have issues. Or rather, sunchokes can give YOU issues:
• If you eat too many, they may cause a wind-producing effect (in other words: they might give you gas).
• With no notice at all, sunchokes can become mushy when you cook them (which is probably why they are most often puréed).
• If you cook them in cast iron, they turn grey.
On a happier note:
• Sunchokes are rich in Vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium and iron.
• You don’t have to peel them… just give them a good scrubbing.
• Sunchokes can be roasted, sautéed, puréed, baked, boiled or steamed.
• They’ll last a couple of weeks in the fridge in a plastic bag.
This is end of the sunchoke season, so if you do find them, make sure they are still firm with no soft spots.
The knobbier… the better!
Oven Roasted Sunchokes
prep: 10 minutes
cook: 20 to 30 minutes
you’ll need…
1 pound sunchokes, well scrubbed
3 tablespoons sunflower oil (or olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pushed through a garlic press
2 teaspoons kosher salt
let’s get to it…
Place the oven rack in the center. Heat the oven to 400°F. Have a shallow gratin or roasting pan ready.
Toss the sunchokes, oil and garlic together; spoon into the dish. Sprinkle with salt.
Roast for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, but with some resistance (I use a fork to test them). Serve immediately.
I’ve really wanted to try sunchokes but because I have a sunflower seen allergy and they’re from sunflower plants (and I’m highly allergic to sunflowers seed, but not sunflower oil) I don’t know if I should take the plunge. They look tasty!
NO! Talk to your doctor, but I wouldn’t risk it… there are plenty of other beautiful veggies out there!
Thanks for the comment on my blog! And thanks for the heads up that my twitter and pinterest links weren’t working, I went and fixed those 🙂 If you’d still like to follow i’d really appreciate it. I followed you on twitter and pinterest and facebook 🙂 I dont have linkys only GFC and I didnt see that 🙁 Love the blog tho! Keep up the great work, gonna have to try these recipes 🙂