Staring Down the Sunchoke

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Photo by Marj Joly/Flickr CC; emily_*/Flickr CC (inset)


The sunchoke plant couldn't look more glorious, and less like its delicious root, which is sold in better produce sections everywhere (inset). How can we make over these ugly fellas?


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

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Photo by Mike Nizza


BEFORE AND AFTER First, give them a good scrubbing.


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

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Photo by Mike Nizza


Then, chop them up and roast them at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or so. Stop here, and you've got an amazing side dish.


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

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sunchoke.JPG

Photo by Mike Nizza


While the chokes are roasting, whip up a batch of fresh pasta dough. Let the ball rest, and make the filling in the food processor. Roll out pasta sheets, and stuff them any way you'd like.


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

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sunchoke.JPG

Photo by Mike Nizza


I came up with three rough styles, mostly by accident.


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

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sunchoke.JPG

Photo by Mike Nizza


The final dish.


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

7 OF 7
sunchoke.JPG

Photo by emily_*/Flickr CC; Marj Joly/Flickr CC (inset)


Makeover complete, it's a little easier to see the sun inside the gnarly choke. Right?


Mike Nizza solved his latest culinary challenge by



and seeing homemade ravioli.

Mike Nizza is an editor at AOL News.