Top | Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

Celery Root and Potato Gratin

(recipe, Deborah Madison)

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Introduction

A broth made from the celery-root trimmings replaces half of the cream that’s usually found in potato gratins, without loss of flavor or texture. Celery root has a haunting flavor that always reminds me of truffles, which are an excellent addition should you be so lucky. (If I were using truffles, I would use all cream in the dish.)

Ingredients

1. 1 clove garlic
2. Butter for the dish
3. 1 celery root (about 1 pound), scrubbed
4. 1 lb. potatoes, preferably Yellow Finn or Yukon gold
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
6. ½ cup heavy cream
7. 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
8. 1 cup grated Gruyère or Cantal cheese

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Rub a 2-quart gratin dish with the garlic, then with the butter.
2. Peel the celery root and put the parings in a 3-quart saucepan with 3 cups water and whatever remains of the garlic. Set a steamer over the top and bring to a boil.
3. Quarter the root, then slice it ¼-inch thick. Steam for 5 minutes and remove the roots to a large bowl.
4. Peel the potatoes, slice them into thin rounds, and steam for 5 minutes or until tender, then add them to the celery root.
5. Strain the cooking liquid. Measure 1¼ cups liquid and mix it with the cream and mustard. Pour it over the vegetables and toss well. Season with ¾ teaspoon salt and pepper.
6. Transfer the vegetables to the gratin dish, smooth them out, and cover with the cheese. Bake until bubbling and browned on top, about 30 minutes.