Hearty, Healthy Winter Vegetables
As much as I tend to miss fresh berries and tomatoes this time of year, it pleases me to know of the many options for healthy, unique winter time vegetables available.
As I prepared to order my last CSA box of the season, I intentionally ordered many different types of root vegetables, which typically last longer than greens over the long winter months. Among the carrots, butternut squash, garlic and sweet potatoes, I also added a bag of sun chokes (aka Jerusalem Artichokes). Although they are the tuber of a certain type of sunflower, they do have a flavor similar to artichoke hearts.
If you aren't familiar with these small tubers, it would be safe to say, they are worth seeking out this time of year. With their slightly sweet, nutty flavor, they are excellent for roasting, pureeing for soup or dips, and sautéing in a winter time hash.
I recently read an interesting article that made me giggle, in which the sun choke is not so lovingly referred to as the fartchoke. Apparently, they contain a carbohydrate called inulin, which can cause serious gas and bloating. Unfortunately for my dinner guests, these flatulence producers are already roasting away in the oven!
To prepare to use sun chokes, it is important to wash them thoroughly to scrub off excess dirt. Cut off any end roots, and slice in half or quarter depending on size. I always prefer to chop them smaller since they tend to cook faster and get more of the seasoning on each bite sized piece.
To roast the sun choke, cover with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and whatever other herbs or spices you like. Roast in a 350 degree oven for about 30 min (time depends on the size of pieces). Test with a fork for tenderness to see when they are done.
A nice touch would be to add some feta or goat cheese crumbles, along with some fresh herbs for serving.
While I know you will enjoy these delicious winter vegetables, remember to go easy on them at first to see how your body reacts. Or just enjoy alone on a cold winter's night!
For some other interesting sun choke recipes, check out the following links:
Sun Choke Soup Recipe
Sun Choke Latkes Recipe
Sun Choke Hummus with Meyer Lemon Recipe
Roast Chicken with Sun Choke and Lemon Recipe
As I prepared to order my last CSA box of the season, I intentionally ordered many different types of root vegetables, which typically last longer than greens over the long winter months. Among the carrots, butternut squash, garlic and sweet potatoes, I also added a bag of sun chokes (aka Jerusalem Artichokes). Although they are the tuber of a certain type of sunflower, they do have a flavor similar to artichoke hearts.
If you aren't familiar with these small tubers, it would be safe to say, they are worth seeking out this time of year. With their slightly sweet, nutty flavor, they are excellent for roasting, pureeing for soup or dips, and sautéing in a winter time hash.
I recently read an interesting article that made me giggle, in which the sun choke is not so lovingly referred to as the fartchoke. Apparently, they contain a carbohydrate called inulin, which can cause serious gas and bloating. Unfortunately for my dinner guests, these flatulence producers are already roasting away in the oven!
To prepare to use sun chokes, it is important to wash them thoroughly to scrub off excess dirt. Cut off any end roots, and slice in half or quarter depending on size. I always prefer to chop them smaller since they tend to cook faster and get more of the seasoning on each bite sized piece.
To roast the sun choke, cover with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and whatever other herbs or spices you like. Roast in a 350 degree oven for about 30 min (time depends on the size of pieces). Test with a fork for tenderness to see when they are done.
A nice touch would be to add some feta or goat cheese crumbles, along with some fresh herbs for serving.
While I know you will enjoy these delicious winter vegetables, remember to go easy on them at first to see how your body reacts. Or just enjoy alone on a cold winter's night!
For some other interesting sun choke recipes, check out the following links:
Sun Choke Soup Recipe
Sun Choke Latkes Recipe
Sun Choke Hummus with Meyer Lemon Recipe
Roast Chicken with Sun Choke and Lemon Recipe
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