Ina Garten Celery Root Puree Food

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH TRUFFLED POTATO CELERY ROOT PUREE

Steps:

• Melt the unsalted butter in a medium (10-inch) saute pan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned. Add the potatoes, celery root, heavy cream, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to very low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Be careful?don't let the vegetables scorch on the bottom of the pan!
• In two batches, pour the leek and potato mixture into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse until coarsely pureed. Return the puree to the saute pan, stir in the truffle butter, taste for seasonings, and keep warm over very low heat. If the puree gets too thick, add a little more heavy cream.
• If it hasn't already been removed, peel off the tough strip of muscle on the side of each scallop. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the grapeseed oil and, when the oil is almost smoking hot, add the scallops in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes, until golden brown on the bottoms. Don't crowd the scallops or they'll steam rather than sear. Using a small metal spatula, turn the scallops and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until just cooked through.
• Spoon the warm puree onto 3 dinner plates. Place the scallops on the puree, drizzle with the basil oil, and sprinkle with the chives. Serve warm.

CELERY ROOT AND POTATO PUREE

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a pot large enough to accommodate the celery root and the potatoes. Add enough water to cover the vegetables by 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the celery root and cook until both vegetables are fork tender. Strain the celery root and potatoes.
• Pour the cream in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, pass the celery root and potatoes through a food mill into a large bowl. Add one-quarter of the hot cream and 2 pats of the butter. Stir vigorously until the cream and butter are thoroughly combined. Repeat for the remaining cream and butter. Taste for seasoning, you will probably have to add salt. Serve in a warm serving bowl immediately or keep warm until ready to use.

CELERY ROOT REMOULADE

Steps:

• Use a serrated knife to peel the celery root of all the brown outer portions, like peeling a pineapple. Cut the celery root into thin matchsticks with a mandoline, or grate them in a food processor fitted with the coarsest grating blade. With the food processor, press a little as you feed the chunks through and you will have larger shreds. Place the celery root in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and allow to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, the 2 mustards, the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice, the vinegar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the pepper. Add enough sauce to lightly moisten the salad. (You may have some sauce left over.) Serve cold or at room temperature.

CELERY ROOT AND APPLE PUREE

Steps:

• In a shallow pot or large saute pan over medium heat melt butter. Saute the fennel, celery root, potatoes, and apples with the 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften or about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cider and cover the pot tightly with a lid. Over low heat simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. If the vegetables seem to dry add a few more tablespoons of apple cider or water.
• When the vegetables are cooked stir in the cream and cook for 1 minute. Using a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade process vegetable mixture. A food processor can also be used but will result in a smoother texture.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed than return to pot to keep warm until serving.