The Creamier Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi, a member of the turnip family, has a mild sweetness that lends itself well to creamed dishes. But creamed dishes can be fattening. Here, the kohlrabi cooking liquid and fat-free half-and-half create a creaminess without adding fat, while a little chicken broth enriches the dish’s flavor.

The dill and tarragon add a final touch to the cream sauce. This is a creamed vegetable that goes well with any chicken or pork entree.

Dill and Tarragon Creamed Kohlrabi

Active Work Time: 20 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Fat-free half-and-half is available in the dairy case of well-stocked supermarkets.

2 bunches kohlrabi, about 2 pounds

Nonstick cooking spray

2 teaspoons butter

2 tablespoons minced shallots

3 tablespoons flour

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half

1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon

1 teaspoon salt

Dill sprigs, for garnish

Cut the tops off the kohlrabi. Peel the kohlrabi and cut into 1-inch pieces. Place the kohlrabi in a 4-quart saucepan. Add enough water to cover by an inch, and heat over medium-high heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the kohlrabi is fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid; set aside.

Spray a large saucepan with nonstick cooking spray and add the butter. Heat until the butter melts and begins to sizzle. Add the shallots and cook until tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved kohlrabi broth and bring to a boil. Combine the flour and chicken broth in a small bowl until completely blended and smooth. Stir into the broth. Return to a boil and simmer until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the half-and-half, dill, tarragon and salt. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the kohlrabi and cook just until the kohlrabi is heated through and the liquid just begins to simmer. Do not overheat or the sauce may curdle. Pour into serving bowls and garnish with the sprigs of fresh dill.

4 servings. Each serving: 112 calories; 675 mg sodium; 5 mg cholesterol; 2 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 20 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams protein; 2.38 grams fiber.