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Honey-Roasted Sunchokes With Shallots And Meyer Lemon

Honey-roasted sunchokes and shallots plated with lemon wedges.

If you're looking for an alternative to white potatoes, sunchokes (also called Jerusalem artichokes) roast up beautifully golden with a crisp exterior and tender interior. Sunchokes are a knobby tuber from a North American plant related to the sunflower.

Regular readers of this blog know that I have a long-term love affair with the potato. However, I've been advised to try an anti-inflammatory diet, avoiding the nightshade family. The botanical grouping of nightshades includes white potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and egglants, as well as tobacco.

I read up on sunchokes to see whether they might really be an alternative for me. According to Frieda's website: "Sunchokes have a low glycemic index which is essential for weight watchers and diabetics. They are high in potassium, iron, protein, and the natural fiber that is considered a 'pre-biotic,' which helps good bacteria grow in the digestive tract. Studies also show that sunchokes may also help lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol."

When my friends at Frieda's Produce offered me sunchokes, I jumped at the chance to give them a try, choosing this Cooking Light recipe as my starting point. I thought their recipe was way too sweet, so I have adapted it for you to provide a lightly caramelized side dish that's more lemony than honeyed. I think you'll love the results.

Note: Vegans who do not eat honey can substitute brown rice syrup or agave syrup if desired.

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