Smoky Finnish Grilled Celeriac with Garlic Butter

Introduction

There is something almost magical about the transformation of celeriac when it hits a hot grill. Often overlooked in the produce aisle due to its knobby, rough exterior, celery root is the ugly duckling of the vegetable world that turns into a culinary swan when treated with fire and fat. This Finnish-inspired grilled celeriac recipe embraces the Nordic tradition of taking humble, root vegetables and elevating them through simple, rustic cooking methods. By roasting it slowly over an open fire or searing it on a flat-top grill, the interior becomes creamy and tender while the exterior develops a savory, caramelized crust.

The secret to this dish lies in the basting. As the celeriac cooks, it drinks up a rich mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs, resulting in a flavor profile that is nutty, earthy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you are looking for a show-stopping vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish to accompany your grilled meats, this recipe brings a sophisticated yet comforting element to your outdoor cooking repertoire. It is proof that with enough butter and wood smoke, even the most modest root vegetable can taste like luxury.

Ingredients

• 1 large Celeriac (Celery Root), scrubbed and peeled
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
• 3 cloves Garlic, finely minced
• 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme, leaves stripped
• 1 tsp Sea Salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• Olive Oil (for initial coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Celeriac

1. Begin by thoroughly washing the celeriac to remove any dirt trapped in the roots.
2. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice off the top and bottom of the root so it sits flat on your cutting board.
3. carefully use a knife to slice away the thick, knobby skin until you are left with the creamy white flesh.
4. Slice the celeriac into steaks approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. If the pieces are very large, you can cut them in half again to make manageable wedges.

Step 2: Season and Baste

1. In a small metal bowl or saucepan safe for the grill, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.
2. Brush the celeriac steaks lightly with a little olive oil first to prevent immediate sticking, then season them generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Keep your butter mixture warm near the grill so the flavors infuse while the grill heats up.

Step 3: The Grill

1. Fire up your grill. If using an Arteflame or flat-top grill, aim for a medium-high heat zone. If using a standard grate, prepare for direct medium heat.
2. Place the celeriac steaks onto the hot surface. You want to hear a distinct sizzle.
3. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on the first side until a deep golden-brown sear develops.
4. Flip the steaks. Immediately brush the seared side generously with the garlic-herb butter mixture.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes, flipping and basting every few minutes. The goal is to build up layers of flavor with the butter without burning the garlic.
2. Test for doneness by inserting a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the steak; it should slide in with little resistance, similar to a baked potato.
3. Remove from the grill, drizzle with any remaining butter sauce, and serve hot immediately.

Tips

Mastering grilled celeriac requires a little patience regarding the texture. Unlike softer vegetables like zucchini, celeriac is dense and requires time to break down. If you find the outside is charring too quickly before the inside is tender, move the steaks to a cooler zone of the grill or the outer edge of the flat top to finish cooking with indirect heat. This allows the center to steam and soften without burning the delicious crust you have created.

Furthermore, do not be afraid of the peel. While the skin is tough and inedible, you must be aggressive when peeling it. A standard vegetable peeler often isn't strong enough to navigate the nooks and crannies of a celery root. Use a sharp knife and follow the curve of the vegetable, sacrificing a little bit of the flesh to ensure all the fibrous, dirt-trapped skin is removed for a smooth eating experience.

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for various flavor profiles. While the classic Finnish approach uses simple butter and herbs, you can easily adapt this to suit different dietary needs or palate preferences. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Vegan Option: Substitute the dairy butter for a high-quality plant-based butter or a rich olive oil and garlic mixture.
• Cheesy Crust: In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the steaks and let it melt into the crevices.
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture for a contrasting heat.
• Citrus Lift: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the steaks right before serving to cut through the richness of the butter.
• Honey Glazed: Add a tablespoon of honey to the butter mixture for a sweet and savory caramelization.

Best pairings

Grilled celeriac has a robust, nutty flavor that stands up well to other strong flavors. Because it mimics the texture of a potato but with a more complex, celery-like profile, it serves as an excellent side for heavy proteins. It bridges the gap between a starch and a green vegetable, making it incredibly versatile on a dinner plate.

For a truly Nordic feast, pair these steaks with venison or a fatty cut of grilled salmon. The earthiness of the root complements the gamey taste of deer or the richness of oily fish perfectly. If you are serving this as part of a vegetarian spread, it pairs beautifully with grilled portobello mushrooms or a fresh grain salad made with barley or farro. For drinks, a crisp, dry white wine like a Grüner Veltliner or a light, hoppy pilsner helps cleanse the palate between buttery bites.

Conclusion

The beauty of this Finnish Grilled Celeriac recipe lies in its ability to surprise. It takes an ingredient that many home cooks avoid and transforms it into the star of the show. The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the richness of the garlic butter, and the tender, creamy interior of the root vegetable creates a comfort food experience that feels both rustic and refined.

Next time you light up the grill, look past the corn and potatoes and grab a celery root instead. It is a simple, affordable ingredient that rewards you with deep, savory flavors. Whether you are cooking on a high-end plancha or a simple backyard charcoal kettle, this dish is sure to impress your guests and expand your culinary horizons.