As a culinary expert with a passion for creating delicious and nutritious meals, I take great pleasure in sharing my knowledge about preparing various dishes. One of my favorite root vegetables to work with is celeriac, also known as celery root. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, but one of the most comforting and satisfying ways to enjoy it is through a creamy celeriac mash.

Preparing Celeriac Mash:

**Step 1: Selecting and Preparing the Celeriac**
Celeriac is a bulbous root vegetable that looks somewhat like a knobby turnip. When selecting celeriac, look for firm, smooth roots without blemishes or bruises. The skin should be tight and the roots heavy for their size, indicating freshness and juiciness. Once you have your celeriac, you'll need to peel it to remove the tough outer layer. Use a sturdy vegetable peeler or a paring knife to carefully remove the skin. Be sure to remove any brown spots or blemishes as well.

Step 2: Chopping the Celeriac
After peeling, rinse the celeriac under cold water to remove any remaining bits of skin or dirt. Then, cut the celeriac into 2-3 cm chunks. This size is ideal for even cooking and will ensure that the celeriac cooks through without becoming too mushy.

Step 3: Boiling the Celeriac
Place the celeriac chunks into a large saucepan. Fill the pan with enough water to cover the celeriac by about an inch. Season the water with a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the celeriac. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the celeriac cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it is fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the celeriac chunks and the specific heat of your stove.

Step 4: Mashing the Celeriac
Once the celeriac is cooked, drain the water from the saucepan. Return the celeriac to the saucepan. At this point, you can add a knob of butter or a splash of milk or cream to make the mash creamy and rich. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the celeriac until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also use a ricer or a food mill.

Step 5: Seasoning and Serving
Taste the mash and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a splash of cream or milk if you want a lighter, fluffier texture. For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives, or a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Step 6: Presentation
Serve the celeriac mash as a side dish to your main course. It pairs wonderfully with roast meats, poultry, and fish. The creamy texture and subtle celery flavor of the celeriac mash make it a versatile accompaniment to many dishes.

Tips for a Perfect Celeriac Mash:
- Always start with fresh, firm celeriac for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't skip the step of boiling the celeriac until it's tender; this is crucial for a smooth mash.
- Use a potato ricer or food mill for an extra-smooth texture if you prefer.
- Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to suit your taste and the main dish you're serving.

Remember, the key to a great celeriac mash is in the preparation and cooking of the celeriac itself. With a little care and attention, you can create a delicious and comforting side dish that will impress your family and friends.

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MethodPeel the celeriac and cut into 2-3 cm chunks.Place in a suitable size saucepan, cover with water and season with salt.Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes. ... Drain the water and return the celeriac to the pan with the butter and mash until smooth.read more >>