Saratoga Farmers' Market

kohlrabi

Kohlrabi in Cream Sauce

By

Recipe by Jennifer McGavin, shared by My Saratoga Kitchen Table
Yields 4 servings
Prep & cook time: 30 mins

This simple side dish may complement salt potatoes, rice, fried eggs, or even a pan-fried schnitzel. The author also recommends serving alongside breaded, pan-fried fish.

Kohlrabi in cream sauce, photo by Pattie Garrettt

Ingredients
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
● 3 to 4 fresh kohlrabi*
● 2 cups broth or salted water
● 1 1/2 tablespoons butter*
● 2 tablespoons flour
● Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
● Salt to taste
● Garnish: parsley*

Instructions

Parboil the Kohlrabi

  1. Cut away the kohlrabi’s outer skin, being sure to remove any woody or stringy parts, just under the surface. If the bulb is young, you will not have to cut as deep as if it is old. If possible, save some of the inner, tender leaves for garnish.
  2. Cut the bulb into thick slices with a large knife, then into strips or cubes, as you like.
  3. Heat the vegetable broth or salted water to boiling, then add the kohlrabi, reduce the heat and cook the vegetables until soft, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving broth, and set aside.

Make a White Sauce or “die Mehlschwitze”

  1. Melt butter in a pan and stir in the flour. For a gluten-free sauce, use gluten-free flour, such as rice flour, brown rice flour or sorghum flour, all of which thicken just fine.
  2. Cook the flour in the butter over medium heat for several minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Little by little add the saved broth or cooking water. Stir after each addition until smooth, then bring it back to bubbling. Add enough of the broth to make a velvety sauce, about 1 to 2 cups.
  4. Season to taste with freshly grated nutmeg and salt.
  5. Stir in the cooked kohlrabi and heat through.
  6. Chop the reserved leaves and some parsley and sprinkle on top of the vegetables for a little color and a nice presentation. Enjoy!

Exclusive Farmers’ Market Favorites

By

By Julia Howard

Despite cloudy skies, daylight poured into the Wilton Mall illuminating tables filled with locally produced goods this past Saturday. Amongst boxes of carrots, piles of cabbages, and stalks of Brussels sprouts are distinct, yet lesser-known fruit and vegetables. These varieties have unique flavors and unusual patterns and colors. They reflect the variety that grows in our region and they can’t be found in grocery stores – making them exclusive farmers’ market favorites.

Romanesco from Gomez Veggie Ville, photo by Pattie Garrett

Romanesco, a relative of broccoli and cauliflower, is chartreuse in color and has a striking fractal pattern. When compared to a traditional cauliflower, its texture is far more crunchy and its flavor is delicate and nutty. Romanesco can be blanched and added to salads, veggie trays, and cold pasta dishes. It may also be roasted or sauteed in olive oil.

Kohlrabi from Owl Wood Farm, photo by Pattie Garrett

Kohlrabi is another unfamiliar brassica. With a taste and texture that is similar to a broccoli stem or cabbage heart, it’s flavor is milder and sweeter. The young stem can be as crisp and juicy as an apple, although much less sweet. The bulbous part of this vegetable may be used raw in salads or slaws. Even the leaves are edible and can be used in place of collard greens and kale.

Lion’s Mane from Mariaville Mushroom Men, photo by Pattie Garrett

Lion’s mane is one of the most interesting-looking and beautiful mushrooms. Its flavor and texture are similar to crab or lobster meat: a sweet-savory flavor, and meaty texture. To prepare, tear the whole mushrooms into bite-sized wedges. Heat a large skillet and dry sauté the mushroom pieces until the edges begin to brown. Add a pat of butter and a clove of finely chopped garlic to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook the mushrooms until they are golden brown and finish with a pinch of sea salt.

Yellow tomatoes have thick skin and are succulent and meaty in texture. Yellow varieties of tomatoes are rather sweet, and often taste milder and less acidic than red tomatoes. Yellow tomatoes are exclusively available at Shushan Valley Hydro Farms throughout the winter.

On your next trip to the farmers’ market, shop spontaneously and try something new. Ask your farmer about these lesser-known fruits and vegetables and how to prepare them – it’s easy!