Jerusalem Artichoke Is Not an Artichoke, but It Is Delicious
Like pineapple, which contains neither pine nor apple, Jerusalem artichoke is a misnamed product. Not only is it native to North America, but the gnarled tuber looks more like a potato than anything else. Not to mention the name, they are quite tasty and deserve a place on your plate.
According to Cook’s Illustrated, cooking the Jerusalem artichoke until cooked gives it a creamy, sweet potato-like texture and a sweet, deep, artichoke flavor. They are easy to prepare, but there are a few things to keep in mind when buying, preparing, and eating them.
- Buying: While you won’t find truly smooth Jerusalem artichoke, choosing the fewest bumps will make it easier to peel the fibrous skin off.
- Preparation: For the best flavor development, Cook’s Illustrated recommends cutting the peeled artichokes into 2-3-inch pieces and cooking them over medium heat in butter until brown. Then season with salt, pepper and thyme and pour in enough water to cover half of the chokes. Cover and simmer until soft and tender, then remove the lid and let the liquid turn into a frosting.
- Meal: Jerusalem artichoke makes a great side dish when cooked as described above, but you can also saute it , blend it with mashed potatoes, or use it as a base for a soothing soup .
If – for whatever reason – you can’t get past their slightly confusing name, don’t worry, they have a couple others and can be found in markets and on menus as Sun Roots, Sun Fishing Rods and land”. apples “.
Jerusalem artichoke: another delicious tuber | Illustrated chef