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Food & Wine Recipe

Celery Root and Turnip Puree

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  • ACTIVE: 25 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR 10 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 8
  • •HEALTHY
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •VEGETARIAN

As an homage to her French roots, Countess Florence Daniel Marzotto serves a trio of vegetable purees alongside roast squab: a creamy mash of fall chestnuts, a nutty combination of celery root and turnips, and a smooth blend of carrots cooked in the Vichy style (with minerally sparkling water to brighten their flavor).

Plus: How to Peel, Slice Celery Root

  1. One 1-pound celery root, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
  2. 1 pound medium turnips, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
  3. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  4. Kosher salt
  5. 1/4 cup whole milk, warmed
  6. Freshly ground pepper
  1. In a large saucepan, add the celery root and turnips and just enough cold water to cover; bring to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the unsalted butter and 2 teaspoons of salt. Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer until the celery root and turnips are tender and the cooking liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 35 minutes.
  2. Transfer the vegetables and their cooking liquid to a food processor and let cool for 10 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the milk and process until smooth. Season the celery root–turnip puree with salt and pepper, transfer to a bowl and serve.
Make Ahead The celery root and turnip puree can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently before serving.