A warm sorghum salad paired with roasted kohlrabi, ginger gold apple, and fennel. This gluten-free vegan recipe is slightly sweet, comforting, and nourishing for the cold months ahead.
Sorghum, meet my Strength and Sunshine readers. Readers, meet sorghum. Now that you're officially and properly introduced we can get things rolling! This first sorghum recipe for the blog will not let you down one bit! And before you think it's just the sorghum that makes this recipe special, think again! I decided to add 3 more new ingredients. Kohlrabi, which I've never cooked with before, ginger gold apple, and fennel, which I've never been very fond of, but I'm always determined to find a use for the more questionable veggies!
So let's take a step back here. Sorghum, I knew, would be a perfect hearty grain that would hold up in a nice warm grain salad for winter. Going off the winter/cold weather theme, I needed the perfect flavors to go along with the sorghum. To keep it a warm salad, roasting up some winter veggie sounded like a good plan to me. I've met no soul who doesn't appreciate roasted veggies! Am I right?
I'd been wanting to make a recipe using kohlrabi for awhile now. Since it's the season and the kohlrabi looked great at the grocery, I picked some up. This perfect crisp/starchy root, similar to turnips, but less harsh in flavor would be perfect roasted. I actually had my bunch sitting in the fridge for over a week before I knew exactly how I would use it, but then this salad idea came along. Much better use than the other ideas I'd been milling around in my head.
I found these cute, new-to-me apples at the grocery as well. Ginger Gold! Small little light green/yellow apples. Sweet, crisp, and they maintain their color well. Lightly roasting them with the kohlrabi would create a perfect balanced out sweet taste! But wait! One more flavor would be included...the dreaded fennel! I have this weird thing with fennel. I always think it sounds and looks so lovely in the recipes cooks use it in, but the taste can be rather off-putting for me. At least, raw fennel, that it! The first time I used fennel many moons ago, I made a veggie lasagna. I didn't cook this lasagna long enough and all I remember of the slices of fennel that were in it, to be plain horrid to the taste buds! From that point on, I've just never had the desire to cook with fennel again.
But, leave it to Frieda's to ship me a whole ton of beautiful fennel, which I wouldn't dare let go to waste! For this recipe, I kept it conservative, but I included some chopped up fennel and fennel frowns on the pan with the kohlrabi and apple to be roasted. My o my, I was pleasantly surprised! This dish transformed my view (and taste buds) on how I feel about fennel! It was so good and **pat on the back** a perfect pairing with the other ingredients! I'm so glad to know now that I'll be picking up fennel at the store a bit more often to play around with! Make it roasted and I'm there!
And with that, this lovely warm sorghum salad was born! A perfect way to welcome sorghum to the blog and give you all a wonderful hearty grain salad to warm the soul and belly in a healthy way during these cold months ahead! You get the aromas of the veggies baking in the oven (plus the heat from the oven to warm you), and a nourishing gluten-free vegan side or light dish to make you and your belly smile with sorghum and roasting joy!
Warm Sorghum Salad with Roasted Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel
Warm Sorghum Salad with Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel
A warm sorghum salad paired with roasted kohlrabi, ginger gold apple, and fennel. This gluten-free vegan recipe is slightly sweet, comforting, and nourishing for the cold months ahead. A perfect healthy whole grain side dish.
- Yield: 2-3 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Pearled Sorghum
- 4 (about 2 Cups) Small Kohlrabi Bulbs (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 Ginger Gold Apple (roughly chopped)
- ½ Cup Chopped Fennel Bulb
- A few Fennel Frowns
- 1 TB minced Fennel "Hairs"
- 2 Cipolline Onions (minced)
- ¼ Tsp Cinnamon
- ½ Tsp Dried Tarragon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a large pot, cook your sorghum according to package directions.
- On a parchment lined roasting pan, add your chopped veggies and fruit along with a few long fennel frowns. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, then discard the fennel frowns from the pan.
- Once the sorghum and roasting is done, combine everything in the pot the sorghum is in. Then add the tablespoon of minced fennel hairs (the green "dill-like" part, cinnamon, and tarragon.
- Give it all a good mix and serve!
It smells and tastes so good! I guarantee you will be loving sorghum, kohlrabi, ginger golds, and fennel after you make this! Another big take-away lesson from this recipe is never ever turn your nose up to a food when you've only had it once or used it in one way. Try it again in something different and you may be very pleasantly surprised!
So tell me:
+ Do you like fennel?
+ What's the latest new-to-you veggie or fruit you've picked up recently?
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Waste Not Want Not!*
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Mary, Living a Sunshine Life
I've never used kohlrabi in a recipe before. I think this would be a great place to start!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Give it a try!
Shirley Wood
Thank you so much for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks 🙂
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
This looks lovely! Such a beautiful dish.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sadie Seasongoods
Pearled sorghum, eh? How intriguing!! And I do love kohlrabi- it's an all time favorite of mine!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do you have any favorite kohlrabi recipes to share!?
Lisa B.
I will have to give this recipe a try. I have never had this before but it looks good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love sorghum!
Easy Peasy Life Matters
LOVE sorghum! This looks fantastic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Deborah Davis
Hi Rebecca,
I must admit that I have never eaten sorghum so I look forward to trying this lovely recipe. The photos are mouthwatering!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Miz Helen
What a great salad, I just pinned it. T
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Audrey
I love apple and fennel together. Looks like I have to go find some sorghum.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It won't be too hard to find! And you will love this dish then!
kimmythevegan
I've never really been into kohlrabi - never really sure what to do with it - this warm fall salad is stunning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Roast it!
Amberjane
Your recipes always fascinate me Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Annmarie
I have lots of extra sorghum, can't wait to give this a try! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
KC the Kitchen Chopper
I'm so with you when it comes to fennel. I roast it and saute it, but I just can't eat it raw. Luckily The Hubby feels the same way. I transforms into sweet yumminess when roasted. Love the idea of Sorghum. I need to pick some up and do some experimenting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's just too "harsh" when raw! Roasting really does make it delish!
Sorghum is the best! I've become obsessed with it!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
Apples and fennel are such a good pairing. What a lovely autumnal recipe with that warm sorghum in there and all <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!!
Bethany
You always make such interesting dishes. 🙂 This looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Deepa, Nancy and Surbhee
I am always looking for ways to incorporate fennel - this looks great! Thanks for the idea! Also, would not have though apple and kohlrabi would go together
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are all such "sweet" and complementary flavors!
Anita
This recipe looks so delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
Mmmm. I can imagine making this and taking it to my work, as a packed lunch and everyone being exceptionally jealous! Thanks Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, totally 😉 Thanks Neil!
Elaine Hodges
I need to make this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure you do!
Joanna @mumbalance
This sounds delicious! My husband loves fennel and I'm always struggling for recipes.
My latest discovery is persimmone fruit - my toddler loves it to 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Persimmons rock! All the most underutilized produce are spectacular when you know what to do with it!
heather
now that is just delicious!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Emily
This looks so yummy and comforting for the chilly months! I love salads but they're not as appetizing during winter. This is the perfect alternative! I've never tried sorghum. Can't wait to now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hate calling dishes like this "salad", but you know 😛
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
What a great idea! I haven't used kohlrabi in so long, and the apples are just perfect right now.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! I need to start making more kohlrabi recipes now!
Linda @ Veganosity
This sounds incredibly delicious and filling. I love fennel, raw or cooked. I definitely have to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do Linda! Thanks!
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com
Oh yum, this salad looks amazing! I LOVE kohlrabi, I bet it's amazing combined with the apples!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They work perfect together!
dixya | food, pleasure, and health
everything about this salad is screaming fall and deliciousness. i need to get on this ASAP.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert
That sounds like a fantastic warm, healthy salad for a lunch! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Sabrina!
Mary
I love warm salads, it's perfect for crisp fall air. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally 😉
Brianna @Flippin' Delicious
Such a great combo of flavors! I've never had sorghum whole before, just used the flour. I'll have to put it on my shopping list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love it! Totally different taste than the flour!
Kristy @ Southern In Law
Ooooh this looks SO good! I have only just recently tried kohlrabi for the first time, after one of my friends (who is from Russia) bought some for me when we were at the farmers market a couple of weeks back! It is definitely a hidden gem of the vegetable world!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is!!! I'm so glad this was my first recipe with it!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
This would be a perfect way to change up the Thanksgiving salad situation!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It totally would be!! And everyone can enjoy!
Sarah
Yum! Sorghum is on my list for when my kitchen is done and I can start buying and restocking my pantry again!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It will be your #1 priority 😉
Heather
I can say that I have never had sorghum before...in fact I don't even know what it is! For some reason I thought it was a sweetener, but I am assuming that is wrong! This looks great though, and I absolutely love fennel and apple together! Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well then you need to go read my post from last week 😉
Sorghum can be made into a sweetener, just like brown rice syrup!
Chrystal Carver
Oh my Rebecca! This looks fantastic. I could see myself enjoying the left overs the next day 😉
Cheers,
Chrystal
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is one of those great leftover dishes! My mom loved it the second day even more she said 😛
Susie @ SuzLyfe
Want. Need. Must have. Love everything in there! YUMMMMMM
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! Thank you so much 😉
Laureen Fox
I love kohlrabi but have never tried roasting it. This looks like a perfect fall salad.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well everything is better roasted 😉
Levan | How to Start a Food Blog
Wow!! This recipe looks PHENOMENAL! Especially love the addition of the onions to round off the taste. Photos are lovely like crazy too! Thanks for sharing this recipe! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!!
Ginger Wroot
I'm totally into roasting things in the fall and winter months, and I'm eager to try this recipe. I bet it would be good with a bit of olive oil and vinegar drizzled on top too. Nice photos too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Ok so I'm the same boat as you fennel... meh! But I'm willing to give it another chance! i'm all about trying new things! And this sounds amazing for fall!! I am pretty excited to try the fennel again, I'm going to trust you 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Trust me! I really don't like fennel, but roasted, and in this salad....it rocks!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Oh and I need to say something that you've said to me countless times but I've never been able to say to you: "For some reason your post didn't show up in my bloglovin this morning" 😀 hehe But I find it anyways of course!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O girl! Haha! Mine NEVER get updated on bloglovin until weeks later! I send ranting emails to the support team (I use curse words...) telling them how horrible they are 😛 Then they usually update it, but I've given up!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
You just made a gorgeous salad out of 4 things I've never had 😀 Never had kohlrabi, fennel, sorghum, or a ginger gold apple, so while I really have no clue what to expect it to taste like I'm imagining savory with a little sweet apple bite, chewy with a little bit of crunch, something along those delicious lines 🙂 Seriously though I love this color scheme, very soothing for some reason. This would make a lovely thanksgiving side dish <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is rather soothing! Comfort, warmth, and easy on the eyes 😉 I was laying in bed last night and thinking how this would be a perfect Thanksgiving side! (Which I had no intention of it being but...)
Harriet Emily
Apple and fennel are such a delicious combination! I love adding them to salads! This dish looks amazing Rebecca, and such a great way to use sorghum. I can't wait to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are the perfect pair! Thanks dear!
XX, Will Travel
I love fennel, and remember my German Grandpa planting kohlrabi on his farm. I later discovered it's also known as the "German turnip," so I guess that makes sense!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! I love that! That's what I'll call it from now on!
Kim @ This Ole Mom
Your salad looks wonderful. I might have to try it. Pinning it .
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well I hope you do 😛
Nutmeg Nanny
I have never had a salad made with sorghum but have heard really good things about it. I love the addition of fennel and what a great use for kohlrabi.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love sorghum! It's so hearty and hold up so well!
Annmarie
Seriously looks delish, can't wait to give it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!!!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer
What a light and refreshing salad! I cannot get myself to like fennel 🙁 That licorice flavour pops out too much, but in small doses I am usually good (but that does not stop my family from eating it!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This really has none of that off-putting licorice taste! It's a small amount and roasted...if I loved it, you will!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
I don't think I have ever had sorghum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's time to change that 😛
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
This looks like a delicious autumn salad. I only recently tried fennel for the first time, but I am hooked and looking for new ways to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you haven't roasted it yet, you will love it even more!
Corina
Sorghum is completely new to me but it sounds like a really tasty salad!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
this sounds amazing, it would even be a great thanksgiving side dish to replace stuffing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That it would be!
Angela@ www.marathonsandmotivation.com
This dish sounds so unique! I have used sorghum in a few recipes before, but I love the combo with kohlrabi & apples. I think my kids will like it too because of the sweetness!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! It's perfectly sweet but not "sweet" if you know what I mean! Thanks!