Celeriac, often overlooked in the vegetable world, is a wonderfully versatile root that deserves a place in your vegan kitchen. Also known as celery root, this knobby, earthy vegetable brings a subtle celery flavor with a hint of nuttiness, making it perfect for comforting dishes.
Whether mashed, roasted, or pureed, celeriac adds depth and creaminess to meals without overpowering other ingredients. This vegan celeriac recipe is designed to highlight the root’s natural flavors while keeping things simple, nutritious, and delicious.
If you’ve been searching for a hearty yet light vegan dish that can be a side or a main, this recipe is your answer. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fiber and vitamins, and pairs beautifully with a range of other vegan meals.
Plus, it’s a creative way to bring something new to your culinary repertoire. So grab your peeling knife, and let’s dive into the world of celeriac!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan celeriac recipe shines because of its simplicity and rich flavor profile. Celeriac’s unique taste and creamy texture when cooked make it an excellent replacement for potatoes or other root vegetables in vegan dishes.
It’s naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Moreover, this recipe is adaptable—you can roast it to bring out its sweetness, mash it for a creamy side dish, or add it to stews and soups for extra heartiness. It’s perfect for those who want to explore new vegetables while sticking to a plant-based diet.
The recipe is also budget-friendly and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
For more vegan inspiration, check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes and Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, both of which pair wonderfully with celeriac-based dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium celeriac root (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth, low sodium
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional: Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy flavor
Equipment
- Sharp vegetable peeler
- Large pot or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender (for a smooth mash)
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowl or plate
Instructions
- Peel and dice the celeriac root. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, carefully remove the tough outer skin of the celeriac. Cut the peeled root into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until soft and fragrant but not browned.
- Add the celeriac cubes and thyme. Stir the celeriac into the pot, coating the pieces with the oil and aromatics. Sprinkle the thyme over the mixture for added flavor.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer. Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the celeriac is very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and blend. Once tender, drain any excess liquid, reserving a little broth for blending if needed. Transfer the celeriac mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Add the plant-based milk and blend until smooth and creamy. Add broth gradually if the mixture is too thick.
- Season and finish. Stir in the lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For a cheesy twist, add nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan and blend again briefly to combine.
- Serve warm. Transfer the creamy celeriac mash to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy as a side or a main dish!
Tips & Variations
“To easily peel the celeriac, first cut off the top and bottom to create flat surfaces. This will allow the root to stand steady on your cutting board, making it safer and easier to peel.”
- Roasted Celeriac: Instead of boiling, toss diced celeriac with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Celeriac Soup: Use this recipe as a base and add coconut milk, ginger, and curry powder to make a warming vegan soup.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary, sage, or parsley to customize the flavor profile.
- Make it Nutty: Add toasted walnuts or pine nuts on top for crunch and extra nutrition.
- Blend with Other Roots: Mix celeriac with potatoes or parsnips for a sweeter, creamier mash.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 110 | 5% |
Carbohydrates | 22g | 8% |
Fiber | 4g | 16% |
Protein | 2g | 4% |
Fat | 4g | 6% |
Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
Potassium | 450mg | 10% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy vegan celeriac mash pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a hearty meal, serve alongside roasted mushrooms or vegan lentil loaf.
It also complements grilled or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.
For a complete dinner, try pairing it with our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or add a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette for contrast.
Looking for an appetizer to start? Check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes to keep the meal light and flavorful.
Conclusion
Celeriac is a fantastic root vegetable that deserves more attention in vegan cooking, and this recipe is a delicious introduction to its versatility. The creamy, slightly nutty mash is comforting, nutritious, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Its mild flavor allows it to blend well with many herbs and spices, giving you plenty of options to customize the dish to your liking.
Whether you’re new to celeriac or a seasoned fan, this recipe will help you appreciate this humble root’s unique taste and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to add variety and nutrition to your plant-based meals.
Don’t forget to explore other vegan recipes on our site for more inspiration and culinary adventures!
📖 Recipe Card: Roasted Celeriac Root Vegan
Description: A simple and flavorful roasted celeriac root dish perfect for a vegan meal. This recipe highlights the natural earthiness of celeriac with herbs and olive oil.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large celeriac root (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cubed celeriac in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Add thyme, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Spread celeriac evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 20 g
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