What Are Sunchokes And How To Cook Them

This recipe is a perfect combination with the earthy and nutty flavor of sunchokes. It is healthy and extremely easy to make. It can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature. You can have it as a side or a vegetarian lunch on its own.   

Sunchokes are a staple during fall and winter in our kitchen. We either eat them raw or make this easy recipe. It is one of our favorite vegetarian dishes. Interested in such healthy vegetarian meals? Try our celeriac recipe, braised green beans or fava beans with their pod.

Today, we will discuss this sunchoke vegetable aka Jerusalem artichoke in all of its glory! We will look at what it is, how to prepare and cook it for this mouth-watering recipe, as well as how it can be served and stored.

What Are Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)?

This artichoke goes by many other names including sunchoke, topinambur, Jerusalem artichoke and sunroot. In Turkey, it is referred to as "yerelması” which directly translates to “earth apple”, which is another name for it.

Despite the name Jerusalem artichoke, there is no connection between the city and the vegetable. 

It may have been because originally it was called “girasole artichoke” in Italian, which means “sunflower artichoke” because of some relation between the two. Throughout time it might have been changed to “Jerusalem artichoke”.

Another thing about Jerusalem artichokes is that they have no relation to artichokes! This name is derived from the distant relationship between the two vegetables’ daisies.

So, what exactly is a sunchoke vegetable then?!

Jerusalem artichoke is a type of tuberous root vegetable that is native to the North American region despite being an extremely popular ingredient in many other cuisines and cultures around the world.

A sunchoke’s taste is very much like that of water chestnuts. Think of a combination of slightly sweet but nutty flavors. It definitely doesn’t have an overpowering flavor and pairs beautifully with a ton of flavorings.

What Does It Look Like?

Sunchokes have a knobby appearance with a brownish color – it almost looks like fresh turmeric or ginger. Sometimes they can also be white, red, or even purple. They come in various shapes and sizes, but range between 3-4 inches long and 1-2 inches thick.

In its raw form, it has an extremely crisp and crunchy texture, but once cooked it becomes soft and succulent.

How to Prepare

Sunchokes have to be scrubbed clean before being prepared. Because they grow underground, a ton of dirt and pebbles get stuck between the ridges of this root vegetable.

We peel sunchokes to be sure that we get rid of all that dirt, but it isn't necessary. The skin is safe to eat. Just remember to wash it very well otherwise you might have to chew on some sand!

The way you cut them will depend on what you’re making with them, but they are very versatile vegetables so can be cut in many different ways (thickness and shapes).

What To Cook

Cooking sunchokes is no different from cooking potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, and celery root.

There are a ton of Jerusalem artichoke recipes available on the internet, all with different cooking methods.

Some of the most popular ways to prepare Jerusalem artichokes are to roast them, deep-fry them for crispy fries, or steam them to retain their nutrients. And we will be sharing the recipe for a cream of sunchoke soup soon.

Today, we will share one of the easiest recipes made with sunchokes, carrots, citrus and herbs. Now that you have learnt what sunchokes are, you can buy it next time you go shopping and make this easy recipe.

How to Make This Recipe

This sunchoke recipe is incredibly easy and even quick to make. 

Prepare the sunchokes: Add water into a bowl with some lemon juice inside. Peel the sunchokes and chop them roughly. Place them in lemon water to prevent them from becoming brown or discolored in any way.

Cook the vegetables: In a large pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions and carrots. Add the sunchokes with their lemon water along with the orange juice and salt. Cook the mixture covered for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and evenly cooked.

Garnish and serve: Once your vegetables have fully cooked, remove them from the heat, let it cook down a bit and add some freshly chopped dill or parsley. Transfer it to a serving bowl and serve according to your liking.

 Remember to add extra olive oil and lemon juice before serving!

How To Serve 

This is another one of those classic “olive oil dishes” in Turkish where the dish can either be served at room temperature or cooled in the fridge.

Almost always these vegetarian recipes are served with extra olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to peel Jerusalem artichokes? 

No, it isn’t necessary. The main reason for peeling is to remove any dirt or sand left on the surface, but as we've also mentioned, those can be removed by simply scrubbing the skin with a vegetable brush or sponge and some clean water.

When Are Sunchokes In Season?

Sunchokes are generally available from early fall right through to spring, but the optimum time to harvest or consume them is in the winter months.

How to Store Sunchokes

Sunchokes can be stored in the same way other root vegetables are; keep them in a cool, dark, and dry area that is well-ventilated.

You can store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life, but it isn't necessary. If you choose to keep them in the refrigerator, make sure to wrap them in paper towels or keep them sealed in a plastic bag – this will help them absorb the humidity and prevent them from drying out.

Can you eat raw Jerusalem artichokes?

Yes, you can eat them raw! And truthfully, they’re actually quite delicious this way! They add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to any salad or sandwich.

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