Wordless Wednesday .... "Jerusalem Artichokes"

This week our "French Friday's with Dorie" will be cooking with a root vegetable that many us many not

know what it is called or be familiar with, so I thought it would make a great Wordless Wednesday Challenge. Please make your guess in the comments and the first one to response correctly gets a prize from the pantry.


What is it?........................ Jerusalem Artichoke or sometimes known as Sunchokes.

Where does it grow?......... native to eastern North America, and found from eastern Canada and Maine west to North Dakota, and south to northern Florida and Texas. Jerusalem artichokes were first cultivated by the Native Americans long before the arrival of the Europeans

How do you prepare it?... Even though there are a wide variety of ways to prepare them, the Jerusalem artichoke was titled 'best soup vegetable' in the 2002 Nice Festival for the Heritage of the French Cuisine.

What does it taste like?..... I find that they taste like a cross between a turnip and a water chestnut.

Have you ever tried it?......Yes, Many times... I love cooking with them when I can find them.


What recipe would you suggest using this mystery Ingredient?.....

Parmesan Crusted Jerusalem Artichoke

Ingredients:

2 pound Jerusalem artichoke, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt to taste

Preparation:

On medium, Heat the oil and butter together in a frying pan just until the butter is melted, add the Jerusalem artichoke and fry, stirring occasionally until the Jerusalem artichoke starts to brown (like fried  potatoes), about 20 minutes.
Lower the heat and add the parmesan while stirring.  Cook for one minute, remove add salt, and serve.