Lentil-celeriac skillet sauce recipe has become one of my family’s go-to comfort meals—easy, wholesome, and brimming with earthy flavor. This dish was inspired by my roots in St. Francisville, where home-cooked meals often revolved around root vegetables and legumes. I can still picture my grandmother peeling celeriac by hand, transforming that knobby root into something warm and soothing, often paired with slow-simmered beans. Her food didn’t follow trends—it followed tradition.
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This Lentil-Celeriac Skillet Sauce Broke the Rules of Flavor
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This lentil-celeriac skillet sauce is a cozy, one-pan comfort meal made with lentils, fresh celeriac, aromatics, and simple herbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and hearty enough for leftovers.
Ingredients
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 medium celeriac, peeled and diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste or splash of vinegar
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add diced celeriac, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Stir in lentils, broth, seasoning, and optional tomato paste. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils and celeriac are tender.
6. Stir occasionally and add more broth as needed to maintain saucy consistency.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to finish.
8. Serve warm over grains, polenta, or with bread.
Notes
For a richer flavor, stir in a spoon of tahini or finish with olive oil.
Keeps in the fridge for 4–5 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Now living in New Orleans, I needed a modern twist on that nostalgia. That’s where this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce came to life. It’s made entirely in one pan and comes together fast enough for weeknights. Lentils bring the heartiness, while celeriac adds creamy depth and a mild celery flavor that softens beautifully when sautéed. Add a bit of broth, garlic, and herbs, and you’ve got a sauce that’s more than a side—it’s the centerpiece.
Celeriac might look intimidating, but once trimmed and diced, it’s easy to love. In this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce, it cooks down into a velvety texture that clings to the lentils and enhances every bite. I usually reach for brown or green lentils for their shape and texture, which hold up perfectly during cooking.
This dish reminds me of the way food used to feel—deep, slow, and soulful—even when I make it in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect base for weeknight grain bowls, wraps, or just warm bread on the side. If you’re into bold, unique sauces like chamoy pickle sauce , this one’s your rustic, comforting cousin.
Table of Contents
How to Make Lentil-Celeriac Skillet Sauce Recipe
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This lentil-celeriac skillet sauce is built on simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium celeriac, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp tomato paste or splash of balsamic vinegar
Celeriac adds a mild, nutty richness, while lentils bring satisfying texture. Together, they create a sauce that’s both hearty and nourishing.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method of lentil-celeriac skillet sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add diced celeriac and a pinch of salt. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add lentils, broth, and seasoning. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the sauce thickens. Add more broth if needed to keep it saucy.
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a touch of acidity like lemon juice. For a deeper twist, this pairs beautifully with warm flatbread or a side of roasted vegetables—much like you’d serve with date vinaigrette.
Pairings That Make It a Meal
What Goes Best with Celeriac-Based Sauces
The beauty of a good lentil-celeriac skillet sauce is how adaptable it is. Celeriac’s earthy flavor brings balance to a variety of sides, making it ideal for everything from casual bowls to plated dinners. Whether you’re spooning it over warm quinoa or soft mashed potatoes, the sauce seeps into everything with comfort-food magic.
A bright citrus-dressed salad is a great contrast to the savory depth of the lentil-celeriac sauce. Peppery greens like arugula or mustard greens bring freshness. One of my favorite pairings is a slice of crusty sourdough to mop up the sauce—simple and satisfying. For a little zing, something like roasted red pepper salad dressing works wonders.
You can also make a skillet-style dinner plate with grains, roasted carrots, and a dollop of yogurt to contrast the warm, creamy sauce. Toasted seeds or crispy onions offer crunch, and lemon juice brings it all into focus.
The Best Accompaniments for Lentils
Because lentils hold their own with big flavor, this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce makes an excellent base for wraps, grain bowls, or even veggie tacos. A poached egg on top transforms it into a protein-rich brunch. For a dairy-free twist, cashew cream or tahini sauce works beautifully.
One thing I love about this recipe is how the lentil-celeriac sauce changes character depending on the side. Serve it with creamy polenta for a comforting dinner or pair it with a simple slaw for something lighter.
With just one skillet and a few thoughtful sides, this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce turns into a nourishing, complete meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Healthy, Simple, and Loved by Chefs
Why Celeriac Is a Chef’s Favorite Ingredient
The humble celeriac doesn’t often get the spotlight, but ask any chef and they’ll tell you—it’s a secret weapon. In our lentil-celeriac skillet sauce, it adds not just texture, but a subtle sweetness that balances the earthy lentils beautifully. Unlike potatoes, celeriac holds its shape but softens enough to feel creamy. That’s why professionals reach for it in purées, soups, and hearty sauces.
Its versatility is part of the appeal. It absorbs flavor easily, plays well with herbs, and caramelizes beautifully in a skillet. When sautéed with onions and garlic, as in this lentil celeriac skillet sauce, celeriac adds a comforting depth without overpowering the dish. Plus, it’s low in starch and high in fiber—perfect for anyone looking to build flavor with fewer carbs.
Many chefs also love how it fits into both rustic and modern cooking styles. Whether it’s fine dining or a home-cooked skillet meal, celeriac brings something special. Even a bold pairing like cottage cheese ranch dip wouldn’t compete—it complements.
The Healthiest Ways to Enjoy Celeriac & Lentils
Health-wise, this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce checks all the boxes. Lentils are a powerhouse of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber. Celeriac, on the other hand, is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Together, they create a dish that’s not only filling but truly nourishing.
To keep it extra healthy, stick to olive oil, avoid heavy creams, and keep salt in check. Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end boosts flavor without extra calories. You can even stretch leftovers into a second meal by mixing with cooked greens or serving over steamed brown rice.
This lentil-celeriac skillet sauce proves that healthy doesn’t have to be bland—and that simple ingredients, treated with care, can become something truly memorable.
How to Store Lentil-Celeriac Skillet Sauce the Right Way
Refrigerating for Short-Term Use
Once your lentil-celeriac skillet sauce has cooled to room temperature, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container—glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Be sure to seal it tightly to avoid moisture loss or flavor absorption from other items in your fridge.
Before reheating, give it a good stir. Lentils tend to thicken in the fridge, so you may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce back to its original texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Freezing for Longer Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Portion the lentil-celeriac skillet sauce into freezer-safe containers or silicone freezer trays. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of each container to allow for expansion as it freezes.
Label containers with the date, and use within 2 to 3 months for best quality. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, reheat on the stove, adding a little broth as needed to restore its saucy consistency.
Avoid repeated freezing and thawing, as that can change the texture of the lentils and celeriac. For best results, freeze in meal-size portions you’ll actually use.
FAQs About lentil celeriac skillet sauce
What goes best with celeriac?
Celeriac pairs beautifully with ingredients that balance its earthy, nutty flavor. It goes especially well with lentils, roasted root vegetables, mild herbs like thyme and parsley, and creamy elements like mashed potatoes or polenta. In dishes like lentil-celeriac skillet sauce, it also complements grains such as farro, rice, or quinoa. Its mildness makes it a flexible base that absorbs seasoning easily and plays well with both savory and slightly sweet profiles.
Why do chefs love celeriac?
Chefs love celeriac because it’s incredibly versatile, flavorful, and underrated. It has a unique texture—soft when cooked, but firm enough to hold its shape in stews and sautés. In recipes like lentil-celeriac skillet sauce, it blends beautifully with legumes and aromatics. Celeriac also adds complexity without overpowering other ingredients, and its naturally low starch content makes it a healthy alternative to potatoes.
What is the best accompaniment for lentils?
Lentils shine when paired with contrasting textures and flavors. Soft, creamy sides like mashed vegetables or bold, acidic toppings like pickled onions work especially well. Whole grains, leafy greens, or hearty vegetables also make perfect pairings. That’s why in a dish like lentil-celeriac skillet sauce, adding crusty bread, a tangy slaw, or a simple green salad turns it into a balanced, complete meal.
What is the healthiest way to eat celeriac?
The healthiest way to enjoy celeriac is to cook it lightly with minimal added fats—roasting, steaming, or simmering are excellent options. In lentil-celeriac skillet sauce, it’s sautéed in olive oil and simmered with lentils and broth, making it both heart-healthy and filling. Skip heavy creams or fried versions to preserve its nutritional value, and pair it with fiber-rich ingredients like legumes or greens.
Conclusion
Why You’ll Come Back to This Lentil-Celeriac Skillet Sauce
At the end of a long day, there’s something grounding about a dish that comes together in one pan, tastes like comfort, and still feels good for your body. That’s exactly what this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce offers. It’s cozy without being heavy, rich in flavor without relying on cream or cheese, and simple enough to make on a weeknight—even with kids running through the kitchen.
I created this recipe because I wanted something that reminded me of home in St. Francisville, but that also fits the rhythm of life here in New Orleans. It’s a little Southern, a little practical, and full of heart. And whether you serve it with warm grains, fresh greens, or a wedge of sourdough, this sauce adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.
The real magic? It’s humble but feels special. Lentils and celeriac might not grab attention at the grocery store, but together, they create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. You’ll find yourself coming back to this lentil-celeriac skillet sauce not just because it’s easy—but because it’s satisfying, grounding, and real. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest
