Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon (gluten-free)

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Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quillConfession number one. I just ate a pop tart.

Well, ok, some non-GMO, organic approximation of a pop-tart, but it hit all the same pop-tarty notes. Scalding hot, jammy inside. Crackling sugary crust. It was all sorts of delicious. I want another. Maybe in time I’ll DIY some for the bliggy.

Confession number two. I’m about half a pound into these sunchokes (salty after sweet, duh), which are also called Jerusalem artichokes, or — as I’ve recently learned — fartichokes, based on their reputation as a gastrointestinal nightmare. Fortunately, when I say recently learned, I don’t mean firsthand. I think scarfing down gobs of cauliflower and curries may have strengthened my tummers, because these guys ain’t got nothing on me. I mean, a Chipotle bowl packs more poison. But that’s just me.

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quill

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quill

If you’re in the same boat, then you’re a lucky little devil, because sunchokes are DEE. LICIOUS. They crisp up beautifully on the outside while becoming meltingly tender and creamy on the inside. And the FLAVOR. They’re buttery and sweet. Like a parsnip married an artichoke. Or, since parsnips taste a little like a potato married a carrot, I guess they taste like a potato married a carrot and an artichoke.

Must be from Utah.

I love the idea of maximizing sunchokes’ sweet creaminess with a velvety soup — this one from Sarah looks like bliss in bowl — but if you’ve seen a sunchoke, you know they’re kind of betch to peel. And sunchoke soup is prettier sans peels. So I’ll leave that to the pretty girl with the pretty house in the pretty hills.

While my lazy ass gets to roasting.

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quill

I adore the flavor garam masala, and I’m confident it complements these sunny ‘chokes quite nicely. Both are earthy and subtly sweet, and the fragrance of the spice is so warm and savory — it’s a treat just to have these perfume the kitchen while they become golden and nutty.

Punched up with cool mint, salty feta and bright lemon, this dish is everything your mouth wants when it’s 90% spring and 10% WTF-is-with-this-wind.

And still pretty, too, no?
Happy Friday!

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quill

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quill

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon // the pig & quill

Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon
By Emily Stoffel
Cook time: 40 mins | Serves 2 generously as a side

Note: These are delicious piping hot out of the oven — but they’re even lovely served at room temperature. Tossed with a little arugula and a few pistachios or slivered almonds, this would also make a fine main course.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sunchokes, scrubbed (unpeeled) and sliced 1/4″ thick
  • 2 T olive or coconut oil (liquid state)
  • 1 T garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 oz feta, crumbled
  • handful mint, thinly julienned
  • zest and juice of one lemon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F. Scrub sunchokes clean and slice crosswise into pieces about 1/4″ thick. Toss well with oil, garam masala and sea salt. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 30 mins or until tender and golden brown, tossing once. Serve sunchokes hot, room temp or chilled with lemon juice squeezed over the top. Scatter with mint, feta and zest. Enjoy!
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6 Comments on “Masala Roasted Sunchokes with Feta, Mint & Lemon (gluten-free)”

    1. Thanks Grace! I’ve had the good fortunate of eating quite a few of them, but I’ve only started cooking with them recently. I imagine anything that’s tasty made with potatoes or parsnips will be even tastier with a sunchoke! Plus they just sound cool (fartichokes, less so…) so there’s that.

  1. HI Emily, I’ve never had a sunchoke either but I heard they taste a little like a regular artichoke. Very curious, will try this. Pinned.

    1. Thanks for pinning, Cheri. They do taste a little like an artichoke heart, but with a slightly nutty, sweet, potato-y flavor that I liken to a parsnip. I hope you’ll give ’em a try!

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