Celeriac with Shrimp

Consider the plight of the poor celeriac. Homely, hairy,and bumpy, it has none of the sheen of a red pepper, or the sunniness of fresh corn or the delicacy of a ripe tomato. But inside - celeriac has a pure white heart of goodness. As Shrek proved, looking like an ogre does not negate the goodness inside. And goodness it is. Easily added to stews, soup and braising meat, celeriac brings a hint of summer long after summer has gone.

Celeriac (celery root) is well-known in Europe (the star ingredient in celery remoulade). Akin to celery, it has been cultivated to produce a large-bulb root that is similar to a turnip - but with a sweet celery taste. In this shrimp dish, the mild celeriac is a great match for the sea-tasting shrimp and the warm, sweet, hint of summer (albeit canned) tomatoes.

Peeling away celeriac's warty exterior reveals a sweet white bulb underneath. Paired with shrimp, celeriac offers a mellow earthy flavor to the briney seafood. Shrimp with celeriac comes together in no time.

Celeriac with Shrimp Ingredients - serves 4-6

2 tablespoons olive oil

1-1/2 pounds peeled, deveined shrimp

1 celery bulb trimmed and save the leaves on top of the bulb

1/2 white onion minced

1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1-14 oz. can of diced tomatoes

1 cup dry white wine (could substitute fish stock or clam juice)

Celeriac with Shrimp Preparation

Cut away the outside of the celery root. With a vegetable peeler, slice the white root and set aside. In a large skillet, heat your olive oil. Add your minced onion and peeled celeriac pieces. Saute till softened. Add your crushed red pepper and saute for an additional minute. Add your tomatoes and celery leaves. I cut the leaves into the skillet. You can also chop the stalk coming out of the bulb and braise it with the bulb and the leaves. Simmer one minute. Add your wine and let the alcohol burn off (3-4 minutes of a gentle boil). Add your shrimp in a single layer. Cover. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Turn shrimp over and simmer an additional 3 minutes. Shrimp is done when no longer translucent and firm to the touch. Serve.

Celeriac with shrimp is hearty enough to stand on its own. If you wish a carbohydrate, serve it over pasta, rice, quinoa or wheat berries.