Kohlrabi Recipes from Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture, Prairieland CSA, PCSA

Kohlrabi came to the United States from Europe. It's name literally means cabbage-turnip. Kohlrabi can be planted for both spring and fall harvest. It comes in white, actually green, and purple varieties.

Storage:
Store kohlrabi with leaves on to maintain freshness. However, they can be stored sans leaves if you are short on space. Either way, store kohlrabi in your refrigerator crisper. Since they are so bulky, it is usually easier to simply use them right away.

Preparation:
For recipes, trim off root and top, peel until fibrous layer is removed. You also can use leaves. Larger leaves may need to be boiled for a couple of minutes to remove any bitterness.

Kohlrabi can be eaten fresh in sliced, julienned, and grated form, in vegetable platters, salads, and slaws. Alternatively, the roots and greens can be cooked for stews, soups, and gratins.

4-6 kohlrabi with leaves
1 T butter or olive oil
1 clove garlic or 1/2 garlic scape thinly sliced
2 - 3 T sliced green or bulb onion
3 - 4 c stock
3 - 4 T flour
salt and pepper to taste
2 ounces sharp cheddar or other strong cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove greens from kohlrabi and set aside. Cut off roots and tops of kohlrabi and trim off fibrous outer layer. Slice into 1/4" slices or cube into 1/2" pieces. Wash greens. Remove stems using a knife to make v-cuts in the leaves. Stack several leaves together, roll like a cigar, and thinly slice into strips 1/8" to 1/4" wide. Repeat.

In a large pan heat 4 qts. water to a boil. Add leaves. Test for tenderness and bitterness. Cook until leaves are on the verge of losing their bright green color. Remove and drain. In a large saute pan, heat butter or oil. Saute garlic and onion for 2 min. Remove, set aside. Add 3 c stock to pan, bring to a low boil. Add kohlrabi bulb pieces. Cook until tender crisp. Remove from pan. Remove 1 c stock and into it stir flour. Add back to stock in saute pan. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir to prevent lumps. Add onion, kohlrabi, and kohlrabi leaves. Coat with sauce. Add 1/2 to 1 c more stock if mixture is too dry. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Transfer to a greased 2-3 quart dish. Top with grated cheese. Bake until cheese is brown, approx. 15 to 20 min.

Kohlrabi Stew
Tamra Stallings, PCSA volunteer at large, aka occasional programmer

1 T oil (olive is best)
1 large onion, slivered, or 1 c green onion sliced
2 large or 3 medium kohlrabi, peeled and cubed
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
2 medium potato, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 c tomatoes, peeled and chopped (canned is fine)
4 c broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 t dried oregano
1 t salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 T dijon mustard
1/2 T molasses

Saute onions in oil for several minutes. Add remaining ingredients and bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serves 4.

Variation: Tamra Stallings suggests removing the broth, thickening it to a gravy with a little flour, and adding chunks of fried tofu. For fall or winter, use the stew as a filling for a pot pie.

2 large or 3 medium kohlrabi, stalks and leaves removed
2 T unsalted butter or olive oil, or combination
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 T minced parsley

Peel kohlrabi to remove fibrous outer layer. Shred with grater or foodprocessor. Heat a medium skillet to medium heat. Add butter and/or oil. When fat is hot, add kohlrabi. Cook, stirrring frequently, until vegetable is tender, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir. Toss with cheese. Cook until cheese melts, about 1 minute. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot. Serves 4.