Salsify Gratin Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall Recipes

CREAMY SALSIFY GRATIN

Steps:

• Fill a large bowl with water and add lemon juice or vinegar.
• Peel the salsify and trim the ends.
• Transfer the salsify to the acidulated water as you peel it.
• Slice the salsify 1/4 inch thick (a mandoline or food processor makes this a quick process).
• Return the salsify immediately to the water to keep it white.
• Move the oven rack to the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 400°F.
• In a large soup pot, melt the butter.
• Add the flour and cook over moderate heat for 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
• Add the half-and-half and bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
• Cook, whisking, for about 3 minutes, or until the half-and-half is slightly thickened.
• Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
• Drain the salsify and pat it completely dry.
• Add the salsify to the pot and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Pour the salsify mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with the cheeses.
• Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
• Preheat the broiler and broil the gratin for about 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is golden and crusty.
• Let the gratin stand for 10 minutes before serving.

SALSIFY GRATIN (HUGH FEARNLEY-WHITTINGSTALL)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/ gas mark 6 and butter a gratin dish about 26cm in length. Put the lemon juice into a large bowl along with some cold water. One by one, peel each salsify root, cut into 4cm x 1cm batons and drop straight into the lemon water to prevent discolouring. Repeat with all the roots. When the salsify has been prepared, drain and transfer to a saucepan along with the stock and wine. Bring up to a simmer and cook for five minutes, until tender but still with a bit of bite. While the salsify is cooking, put the kale in a large pan with a centimetre or two of water and cook for about three minutes, until wilted. Drain the salsify, reserving the stock, and set aside. Return the stock to the pan and simmer until reduced by half. Meanwhile, mash together the butter and flour with a fork. When the stock has reduced, keep it simmering and add the flour paste in little nuggets, whisking all the time. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens to the consistency of single cream. Stir in the double cream and remove from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Lay the salsify and kale in the gratin dish, and pour over the creamy sauce. Combine the cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.