Kohlrabi

I was introduced to kohlrabi while I was in Germany.  My host family grew them in their garden, and I loved them-- fresh or quick-cooked in the microwave-- my host mom made them so yummy.  I've always struggled though, with the kohlrabis I find in the grocery store here in the US.  They are so small an anemic-looking compared to the ones my host family grows.  Do I really want them?  Well, early in the fall, I was wandering through the farmers' market and found the mother of all kohlrabi.  It was three or four times the size of the ones in the grocery store; next to this monstrous veggie, my host family's appear dwarfish.  IT WAS ALMOST THE SIZE OF MY HEAD.

From an earlier try with kohlrabi (I had found some at the store I felt were acceptably sized), I knew my husband prefers cooked kohlrabi to raw; he thinks it tastes a bit like cauliflower.  I don't really care for cauliflower, so I disagree, but sure, I could cook it for him.

Creamy Kohlrabi Puree

Kohlrabi (half of a massive kohlrabi, 2 of a grocery store kohlrabi)

1-2 Tbsp butter

1 green onion (scallion), chopped

salt

Lawry's seasoned salt

pepper

Peel and roughly chop the kohlrabi, then place in salted water.  Bring to a boil, and cook until the kohlrabi is tender (like cooking potatoes).  Drain the water.  Add the butter and use a food processor, immersion blender, or potato masher to create a smooth, creamy texture.  Season to taste with Lawry's and pepper, and stir in the green onion.  

Super-easy, but super-yummy.  I was surprised how much I liked it, actually.  It really did have a creamy mouthfeel, and the onion gave it a bit of pop.  It doesn't necessarily look (or taste) like a typical green veggie, making it a nice way to get out of a rut.  It is still a veggie, though, and has a fresh flavor that balanced the fried onion rings we served it with.  

I think seasoning is key to developing interesting flavors with kohlrabi.  Lawry's is great that way, and pepper gives it a little more depth.  If you want an even quicker way to serve up kohlrabi try the following, which is an easy way to take it to work, too.  Peel and chop a portion of kohlrabi, and throw it in a microwave-safe dish.  Add a bit of butter, Lawry's, and pepper.  Microwave 1 minute, and enjoy.