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Creamed Salsify and Potatoes

(Salsifis et Pommes a la Creme)

Salsify is an important vegetable throughout France, and in this recipe, adapted from Jane Sigal’s 1993 Normandy Gastronomique, it is paired with potatoes in a white sauce to make a wonderful gratin.  While the original recipe used crème fraiche, we’ve cut back on the calories (but not the flavor) by using a white sauce.  Because we did not first make a roux, it is important to sift the flour into the sauce, stirring constantly, to ensure that lumps do no form. 

1 pound salsify, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¾ pound waxy red potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” dice
3 tablespoons butter
½ cup fresh bread crumbs
1 cup milk
¼ cup flour
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a deep pan, cover the peeled and cut salsify in water and add in the lemon juice.  Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until tender, 15-20 minutes.   Drain.

In the same pan, cover the prepared potatoes with salted water, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until tender, about 15-20 minutes.  Drain. 

Melt butter in a heavy pan and add in the bread crumbs.  Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the bread crumbs begin to brown.  Remove from heat.

In a large saucepan combine the parboiled salsify and potatoes with the milk.  Bring to a simmer.  Sift in the flour, nutmeg, salt and pepper.  Stir until any lumps are dissolved.  Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.  Place into a buttered casserole, and top with the buttered bread crumbs.  Place under a broiler set to low, and cook for a few minutes until the bread crumbs are browned.  Remove from oven and serve immediately.

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