kohlrabi
June 22nd, 2012
When I’d finished buying my vegetables at the Islington Farmers’ Market on Sunday, Martin the farmer, presented me with a kohlrabi to try. These Russian spaceship like vegetables are quite common in Indian cuisine, but I don’t think I’ve really noticed them in shops here, or tried them outside of a curry (and that would have been unknowingly).
peeled
The name kohlrabi is German and means cabbage turnip. It’s a relative of the wild cabbage and is therefore related to broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc. It grows above ground, with it’s root coming from the round base. Martin did mention that the leaves are edible, but slightly bitter.
To prepare, first remove the leaves and slice off the bottom with a sharp knife. Next peel like an apple, with a potato peeler.
sliced
I sliced the kohlrabi and then chopped it into chunks. The texture is crisp, like a firm apple. I tried it raw – it’s very good, a little creamy, similar but different to cauliflower and refreshing like lettuce. I’m sure it would be excellent in a salad. I was tempted to eat it all raw, but as I was steaming carrots and broad beans, it went in the steamer too. After about 12 – 14 minutes, the kohlrabi maintained its crispy freshness and went well with the other vegetables and a chicken breast.
I was really impressed by the flavour and next week I’ll be buying more!
I have to be honest, I’ve never bought kohlrabi so I was curious to read your description. I think you’re right, it would be lovely all slivered up in a salad! Maybe a cole slaw??
Khol Slav….. heheheheh!
I think it is often used that way – sounds good like that 😉
Thank you for this, MD. I’m not at all familiar with this vegetable and wouldn’t have had any idea of what do with it if given to me. Judging by your description, I bet I’d like how you prepared it here, as well as in a salad or slaw — thanks, Smidge! I need to put kohlrabi on my shopping list. Thanks!
I’m quite sure you’d like it!
That’s a great description: Russian spaceships! I like kohlrabi. As you say, it’s good raw. Also good just sliced and sauteed in butter (what isn’t?).
Sputnik! I must try it sauteed with butter and maybe garlic too 😉
Never tried it, but your description certainly belies its overall dullness. I think curry is a good place for it:)
It beats lettuce hands down 😉
I don’t see it in the shops or farmers market here, but I do grow it (well I had to re sow the 1st batch as the slugs got them ALL). I like it in salads and have used it as a coleslaw ingredient or paired with grapefruit or orange in a salad. The one thing I haven’t tried is steaming it – so thanks 🙂
I was amazed that it kept its texture when steamed, because it is a soft, apple like crunch.
I would walk right by it in the produce section but your post makes it sound like something to try.
Looks good!
I highly recommend it, but probably wouldn’t have tried it if the farmer hadn’t given it to me 🙂
I’ve never seen a kohlrabi!
I’m sure that i will learn many things in your blog 🙂
Thanks blackmushrooms 🙂
I think it is used to make Vodka… or it should be.
They normally use grain these days for vodka. Potatoes were common when labour was cheap, but now processing grain is much easier. Luksusowa is a good potato vodka, made in Poland.
Lovely – although I confess to only ever having put it into soup in the UK., Can´t find it here 😦
I bet a spicy pumpkin soup with kohlrabi substituted would be good 😉
I’ve seen these several times in one of our local store lately… been meaning to try them but just needed some ides. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, I hop you like it 🙂
I used to grow these and cook them as a vegetable, as you describe, steamed or quickly boiled, and they do taste good. I haven’t seen them for years – and certainly never here because I don’t think they’re a Mediterranean vegetable.
The only info I’ve seen with regard to where they come from suggests that they are common in Central Europe and Asia, but there’s no mention of origin…
I used to live in Islington, but i probably told you that before.. we grew those this year, all finished hot, actually they were a bit of a failure as they did not heart up! c
or turnip up as the case may be!!
You did 😉 Shame about your kohlrabi.
I love Kohlrabi, it would make a lovely coleslaw too!
It could be my new favourite vegetable 😉
Thanks so much for giving me info about this vegetable. I see it in my greengrocery and although it looks very pretty with its green and purple colours, I have never bought one because I’m unsure what to do with it. Your post has helped!
Great! I’m going to buy another one shortly 😉
Hi MD!
I have seen these in a market here in Madrid but never tried it. Next time I will. 😉
You must – I’m sure you’ll like them 😉
Hi!! I living in Madrid ..I trying to find this kohlrabi but i could not find it ,,Please could you tell me where did you saw it?? Thank you very much
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