Looking for the best Jerusalem Artichoke Recipes? You’re in the right place! Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are an often-overlooked root vegetable with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a unique, creamy texture when cooked.
Despite their name, they have no relation to Jerusalem or traditional artichokes. Instead, they are the tuber of a type of sunflower, making them a fantastic seasonal ingredient that adds depth to a variety of dishes.
If you’ve ever spotted them at the market and wondered how to use them, this guide will provide everything you need to know, along with 15 delicious recipes to make the most of these earthy gems.
What Are Jerusalem Artichokes?
Jerusalem artichokes are small, irregularly shaped tubers with a thin, light brown skin.
They resemble ginger root in appearance but have a completely different flavor and texture.
Native to North America, they have been cultivated for centuries and are valued for their versatility and health benefits.
What Do Jerusalem Artichokes Taste Like?
The flavor of Jerusalem artichokes is mild yet distinctive. They have a slightly nutty, earthy taste with a hint of sweetness, similar to a cross between a potato and an artichoke heart.
When raw, they are crisp and slightly juicy, making them a great addition to salads. When roasted or sautéed, they develop a creamy, almost buttery texture that pairs well with herbs, garlic, and rich umami flavors.
Now, let’s explore some of the best ways to cook with Jerusalem artichokes, from simple side dishes to hearty mains and creative appetizers.
15 Delicious Jerusalem Artichoke Recipes
1. Jerusalem Artichoke Chips
With just two simple ingredients, you can’t go wrong with crispy, tasty Jerusalem artichoke chips. Gluten-free and very easy to make!
They are a great way to get a healthy snack or fun side dish on the table fast. Made without an air fryer, dehydrator, or any fancy equipment!
2. Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes with Garlic and Rosemary
The unusual savoury tang of Jerusalem artichokes works well with the wild flavours of game. This dish is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just how we like it
3. Jerusalem Artichoke Purée
Velvety smooth and creamy, with a subtle nutty flavor, Jerusalem artichoke or sunchoke puree is one of the most elegant ways I know how to serve these special tubers.
4. Jerusalem Artichoke Soup
Creamy and smooth Jerusalem artichoke soup is vegan and made with very simple ingredients. This winter soup is full of flavor and great to be served as a starter or a delicious lunch. Comes together in less than 30 minutes!
5. Jerusalem Artichoke and Mushroom Risotto
A classic risotto enhanced with the earthy, nutty flavour of Jerusalem artichokes. They are used in two ways – peeled and cooked down into the creamy risotto itself and roasted in their skins until golden and smoky. The mushrooms enhance the earthiness, and the sage and walnuts chime with their wintery season.
6. Raw Jerusalem Artichoke Salad
You can eat sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes raw and you don’t even need to peel them. Just make sure you wash them well and then slice them really thinly, ideally with a mandoline.
7. Jerusalem Artichoke and Carrot Slaw
Grate Jerusalem artichokes and carrots, then mix with a dressing of tahini, lemon juice, and mustard for a refreshing slaw that pairs well with sandwiches and wraps.
8. Sunchoke and Chickpea Hummus
Tahini and lemon accent the earthy, nutty quality of Jerusalem Artichokes in this creamy appetizer. At Elaine Murphy’s The Wollen Mills in Dublin, chef Ian Connolly serves it drizzled with aromatic paprika oil and pile of hot crisp baked sweet potato wedges for dipping.
9. Jerusalem Artichoke and Potato Boulangères
If, like me, you could happily eat gratin dauphinois every day of the week, but are sensible enough not to as one portion contains roughly a million calories, then this Jerusalem Artichoke Boulangères might just be for you.
It is similar in that root vegetables are thinly sliced and layered, but cooked in stock and milk rather than cream. It works brilliantly with almost any root veg – traditionally potato, but also celeriac, parsnip, even carrot.
10. Jerusalem Artichoke Pasta Sauce
This sauce is a unique spin on the classic fettuccini Alfredo. This pasta dish is creamy just like the Alfredo you know and love, but the sunchokes add a sweet nuttiness to it. You can really taste the subtle artichoke-like flavor with every bite.
11. Sunchoke And Potato Hash
When asked “what do you do with them?” The easy answer? Treat them like you would a potato. This simple sunchoke hash is great introduction to this nutty root vegetable.
12. Pickled Jerusalem Artichokes
Sometimes Jerusalem artichokes are hard to digest, but pickling them makes them much easier to digest! So if you have some of these yummy tubers on hand and wondering what to do with them, try this pickled Jerusalem artichoke recipe!
13. Jerusalem Artichoke Tarte Tatin with Roasted Red Onion and Hazelnut Dressing
Impress dinner guests with this simple yet timeless artichoke dish and homemade dressing.
14. Lentil Dal with Jerusalem Artichokes
A sweet, spicy, and healthy curry to warm those chilly evenings with enough balanced macro’s to keep you satiated; however, with such a depth of flavours, there’s no promising that you won’t be back for a second bowl!
Final Thoughts
Jerusalem artichokes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them roasted, blended into soups, or raw in salads, they bring a unique flavor and texture to any dish. Give these recipes a try and discover new ways to incorporate this underrated root vegetable into your meals!
