Kohlrabi Noodle Delight: Bacon & Parmesan Perfection

Kohlrabi, the often-overlooked vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, is stepping into the spotlight! If you’re looking for a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, look no further than kohlrabi noodles. This recipe combines the earthiness of kohlrabi with the smoky richness of bacon and the salty, umami goodness of Parmesan cheese, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated side dish. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to customize it to your liking. Get ready to discover the delicious potential of kohlrabi!

## Why Kohlrabi Noodles?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why kohlrabi noodles are such a fantastic choice:

* **Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly:** Kohlrabi is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent alternative for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. A single cup of kohlrabi contains significantly fewer carbs than a cup of pasta.
* **Nutrient-Rich:** Kohlrabi is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. It’s a healthy and delicious way to boost your nutrient intake.
* **Mild Flavor:** Kohlrabi has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. It’s not overpowering, so it won’t clash with the other flavors in your dish.
* **Versatile:** Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw or cooked. When spiralized into noodles, it offers a satisfying bite and a texture similar to pasta.
* **Easy to Prepare:** Making kohlrabi noodles is quick and easy with a spiralizer or vegetable peeler. You can also find pre-made kohlrabi noodles in some grocery stores.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Kohlrabi:** 2 medium-sized kohlrabi bulbs
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices, preferably thick-cut
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated, plus extra for garnish
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Butter:** 1 tablespoon
* **Chicken Broth or White Wine:** 1/4 cup (optional, for deglazing the pan)
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
* **Salt & Pepper:** To taste
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Pinch (optional, for a touch of heat)

## Equipment Needed

* **Spiralizer or Vegetable Peeler:** For making the kohlrabi noodles
* **Large Skillet or Saute Pan**
* **Cutting Board**
* **Knife**
* **Garlic Press (optional)**

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own kohlrabi noodle masterpiece:

**Step 1: Prepare the Kohlrabi Noodles**

1. **Wash the Kohlrabi:** Thoroughly wash the kohlrabi bulbs under cold water.
2. **Peel the Kohlrabi:** Using a vegetable peeler, remove the tough outer skin of the kohlrabi. The skin can be quite thick, so make sure you remove it completely.
3. **Spiralize or Cut:**
* **Using a Spiralizer:** Attach the kohlrabi to the spiralizer and create noodles according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Using a Vegetable Peeler:** Use the vegetable peeler to create wide ribbons. Then, stack the ribbons and slice them into thin strips to resemble noodles. You can also julienne with a knife, if preferred.
4. **Set Aside:** Once you have your kohlrabi noodles, set them aside.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

1. **Cook Bacon:** Place the bacon slices in a large skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Cook until crispy and golden brown, flipping occasionally. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. **Remove and Drain:** Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This will keep your dish from becoming too greasy.
3. **Reserve Bacon Fat:** Don’t discard the bacon fat! This flavorful fat will be used to cook the garlic and kohlrabi noodles. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Remove any burnt bits to prevent a bitter taste.
4. **Crumble Bacon:** Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for later.

**Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Kohlrabi Noodles**

1. **Add Olive Oil and Butter:** Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted.
2. **Sauté Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. **Add Kohlrabi Noodles:** Add the kohlrabi noodles to the pan and toss to coat them with the bacon fat, olive oil, and garlic mixture.
4. **Cook the Noodles:** Cook the kohlrabi noodles for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The kohlrabi noodles should soften slightly but still retain some bite.
5. **Deglaze (Optional):** If desired, deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth or white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the liquid simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.

**Step 4: Add Parmesan and Bacon**

1. **Stir in Parmesan:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the noodles. The Parmesan will create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
2. **Add Bacon:** Add the crumbled bacon to the pan and stir to combine.
3. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

1. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the kohlrabi noodles immediately while they are hot.
2. **Garnish:** Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil also adds a nice touch.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic before adding the kohlrabi noodles.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyere. Each cheese will add a unique flavor profile to the dish.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a drizzle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a bit of lemon zest for brightness.
* **Nutmeg:** A grating of fresh nutmeg can elevate this simple dish.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Main Course:** Serve the kohlrabi noodles as a main course for a light and healthy meal.
* **Side Dish:** Serve the kohlrabi noodles as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Lunch:** Pack the kohlrabi noodles for a delicious and satisfying lunch.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Store leftover kohlrabi noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the kohlrabi noodles in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent them from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 (depending on bacon and cheese amounts)
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Kohlrabi: More Than Just Noodles

Don’t limit yourself to just kohlrabi noodles! This versatile vegetable can be used in a variety of ways:

* **Raw in Salads:** Grate or thinly slice kohlrabi and add it to salads for a crunchy and refreshing element.
* **Roasted:** Roast kohlrabi with other root vegetables for a sweet and savory side dish.
* **In Soups and Stews:** Add diced kohlrabi to soups and stews for added flavor and nutrients.
* **Pickled:** Pickle kohlrabi for a tangy and flavorful condiment.
* **Kohlrabi Slaw:** Mix shredded kohlrabi with mayonnaise, vinegar, and seasonings for a delicious slaw.

## Conclusion

This kohlrabi noodle recipe with bacon and Parmesan is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable. It’s quick, easy, and versatile, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or a light lunch. So, grab some kohlrabi and give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite pasta alternative!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with kohlrabi noodles. Bon appétit!