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Celery-Root and Apple Purée

This elegant celeriac and apple purée offers a sophisticated twist on traditional root vegetable mashes. By slowly sweating the earthy celeriac with crisp, sweet apples in plenty of butter, the vegetables soften in their own juices to create a deep, concentrated flavour. The addition of aromatic nutmeg and rich double cream results in a velvety texture that feels truly indulgent, making it a wonderful vegetarian option for festive gatherings or special Sunday lunches.

As a versatile side dish, this purée balances savoury and sweet notes beautifully. It pairs excellently with roasted meats or hearty nut roasts, providing a lighter, more refined alternative to standard mashed potatoes. Because it can be made ahead and gently reheated, it is a practical choice for stress-free entertaining during the autumn and winter months.

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Ingredients for Celery-Root and Apple Purée

  • 2.3kg celery root (sometimes called celeriac)

  • 4 Gala, Empire, or McIntosh apples (675g total)

  • 1/2 stick (60g ) unsalted butter

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 240ml double cream

  • 1/2 teaspoons white pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

  • Garnish: celery leaves

How to make Celery-Root and Apple Purée

Peel celery root with a sharp knife, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Peel and core apples, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

Melt butter in a 6- to 8-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, then add celery root, apples, and salt and stir to coat with butter. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook (without adding liquid), stirring occasionally, until celery root is tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Purée mixture in batches in a food processor until smooth, about 2 minutes per batch. Return purée to pot and stir in cream, white pepper, and nutmeg. Reheat, covered, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until hot, about 5 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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