Crispy Grilled Celeriac Fries: The Ultimate Low-Carb BBQ Side

Introduction

If you have ever walked past that knobby, strange-looking root vegetable in the produce aisle and wondered what to do with it, you are about to discover your new favorite grilling side dish. Grilled celeriac fries are a culinary revelation, transforming the humble celery root into golden, crispy batons that rival traditional potatoes in texture and surpass them in flavor. With a subtle, nutty taste that hints at celery and parsley, celeriac caramelizes beautifully on the high heat of the grill, offering a sophisticated twist on the classic fry.

This Dutch-inspired recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fantastic option for health-conscious grill masters. Naturally low in carbohydrates and keto-friendly, these fries provide that crave-worthy crunch without the heaviness of starch. Whether you are firing up your Arteflame for a weekend feast or looking for a unique vegetable side to impress guests, these grilled celeriac fries bring a rustic elegance and an unforgettable smoky char to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 large Celeriac (Celery Root), scrubbed clean
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil for high heat)
• 1 tsp Sea Salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric (optional, for color)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Celeriac

1. Begin by thoroughly washing the celeriac root to remove any dirt trapped in the nooks.
2. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice off the top and bottom of the root to create a stable base.
3. Carefully cut away the thick, knobby skin. Do not be afraid to be aggressive here; you want to get down to the creamy white flesh underneath.
4. Slice the peeled root into planks about 1/2 inch thick, then cut those planks into baton shapes (fries) of uniform size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Fries

1. Place your celeriac batons into a large mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle generously with the olive oil, ensuring every piece is well-coated to prevent sticking and encourage browning.
3. Sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric over the fries.
4. Toss everything together by hand until the spices are evenly distributed across all surfaces.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill or flat-top griddle. You want a medium-high heat zone ready for cooking.
2. Add a little extra oil to the cooktop surface if necessary.
3. Place the seasoned celeriac fries onto the flat cooktop. Do not overcrowd them; give them space to sear rather than steam.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Grill the fries for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Turn them frequently using tongs or a spatula. You are looking for a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges and a tender, soft interior.
3. Test a fry for doneness; it should offer no resistance when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips

Working with celeriac can be intimidating at first due to its tough skin, but using a heavy-duty vegetable peeler or a sharp knife makes quick work of it. A pro-tip for achieving the perfect texture is to ensure your knife cuts are uniform; if some fries are too thick and others too thin, you will end up with a mix of burnt and raw bites. If you find raw celeriac too hard to grill directly, you can blanch the cut fries in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before seasoning and grilling. This guarantees a fluffy interior.

Temperature control is vital when grilling root vegetables. Unlike thin potato fries that might cook instantly, celeriac is dense. Utilize the different heat zones of your Arteflame grill. Start them in a hotter zone to get a nice sear, then move them to a slightly cooler outer ring to finish cooking through without charring the spices to a crisp.

Variations

Celeriac is a blank canvas that absorbs flavor wonderfully, allowing for endless creativity. While the savory spice blend listed above is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily adapt the profile to match your main course. Here are a few delicious ways to mix it up:

• Herbes de Provence: Swap the paprika for dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a fragrant, French-countryside vibe.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for heat lovers.
• Cheesy Truffle: After grilling, toss the hot fries in a drizzle of truffle oil and dust generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Curry Style: Use yellow curry powder instead of paprika for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that pairs well with ketchup.
• Lemon Pepper: Skip the paprika and use a lemon-pepper seasoning blend, finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right off the grill.

Best pairings

These Dutch Grilled Celeriac Fries are incredibly versatile and stand up well alongside bold flavors. Because they have a lighter, fresher taste than potatoes, they cut through the richness of fatty meats perfectly. They are the ideal companion for a heavy, juicy cheeseburger or a ribeye steak seared on the grill. The earthy notes of the celeriac also harmonize beautifully with pork chops or grilled sausages.

When it comes to dipping, do as the Dutch do. These fries beg to be dipped in a rich, creamy mayonnaise or a garlic aioli. For a tangy contrast, a curry ketchup or a spicy remoulade works wonders. If you are serving the "Cheesy Truffle" variation, a simple glass of crisp white wine or a light lager is the perfect beverage to wash it all down.

Conclusion

Grilled Celeriac Fries are more than just a low-carb substitute; they are a delicious dish in their own right that brings diversity and nutrition to your BBQ spread. By swapping out the standard potato for this flavorful root, you introduce a sophisticated, nutty profile that pairs seamlessly with the smoky aroma of the grill. It is a simple recipe that yields impressive results, proving that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or the joy of outdoor cooking.

Next time you fire up the grill, grab a celery root and give this recipe a try. Whether you are following a keto lifestyle or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, these crispy, golden fries are sure to become a regular rotation in your grilling repertoire. Gather your ingredients, heat up the griddle, and enjoy the crunch!