Celery Root Frittelle with a Basil Sirracha Aioli and A Venetian Carnevale Celebration!

 

Ciao mei amici! Today’s treat is something I will be serving at my upcoming “Venetian Carnevale Celebration.” This is my first official ticketed event in NYC since starting “Magic & Pasta.” Food, drinks, masks and mischief, it’s going to be a really fun and delicious night, I hope some of you can join us. For me ticket information and a full menu for "A Venetian Carnevale Celebration" you can go here and here.

These Celery Root Frittelle are just incredible. I know, I know, you hear celery root and your initial reaction might be “BOOOOORING.” But let me tell you, that is not the case. Celery root is delicious, it sort of reminds me of a taro, which I love. Frittelle are a traditional fried treat served for Carnevale but I didn’t want to go with a traditional recipe, hence the celery root. I serve these with a Basil Sirracha Aioli. You will LOVE them.

Celery Root Frittelle with Basil Sirracha

Aioli

 

 

Basil Sirracha Aoli

 

2 cups basil leaves

3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves of garlic

Salt

2 large egg yolks

3 tbsp. grape seed oil

2 tbsp. sirracha

Set up a bowl with ice and cold water. Put basil in a medium saucepan of salted boiling eater, cook for 20 seconds, then drain and submerge in the ice water for 30 seconds. Drain and squeeze out any excess water. In a pan over medium heat, add your olive oil and garlic and let it gently roast so it gets soft. In a blender, combine basil, egg yolks, salt and 2 ice cubes, puree to combine. With machine running add the garlic and oil in a slow and steady stream. Add the sirracha. Try the sauce and add more seasoning if you like. Keep chilled.

 

 

Celery Root Frittelle

 

 

4 cups of grated celery root

3 tbsp. parsley

¼ cup olive oil

Sea salt

Pepper

½ cup plus 2 tbsp. flour

1/3 to ½ beer

1 ½ quarts canola oil for frying

 

In a large bowl, mix the celery root, parsley, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add flour, stir more and then add the beer. The mix should be a little sticky and hold together when you form it into balls or patties. If you need to, add a little more beer. Heat your oil in a heavy pot over medium high heat. Drop the fritters in and let them fry until they are a beautiful golden color. Each fritter should take around 5 minutes or so. Using a slotted spoon, move the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. Season with salt. Serve while they are still warm with the aioli for dipping!! Buon Appetito!!