Jerusalem Artichokes

A friend has just given me his home grown produce - Jerusalem Artichokes, aka sunroot, sun choke or earth apple. It is a species of sunflower and native to North East America. Bizarrely nothing to do with Jerusalem nor the globe artichoke.

I have roasted them like potatoes previously but understand they can be sautéed, mashed, battered and fried or puréed for soup.

They have a brown, knobbly appearance and a nutty, sweet/savoury taste.

I have googled a recipe for soup and intend to make it this week. In the meantime, I have dined out and enjoyed this smooth and creamy creation courtesy of Crafthouse, Leeds.

Celeriac and Jerusalem Artichoke veloute with olive tapenade, goat's cheese cracker - yum!