Celery Root Bisque with Walnut-Parsley Gremolata
Food & Wine’s Kay Chun sneaks a small piece of Parmesan cheese into this lovely soup, giving it a flavor boost. To make it extra special, she serves the silky bisque topped with a nutty, crunchy and vibrant walnut-and-parsley gremolata.
- Active:
- Total Time:
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 1/2 pounds celery root, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice (8 cups)
- One 2-inch chunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (1 ounce), plus 1/4 cup freshly grated cheese
- 2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- Pepper
How to make this recipe
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In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the leek and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 minutes. Add the celery root, Parmesan chunk, stock and 5 cups of water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the celery root is tender, 40 minutes.
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Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°. Spread the walnuts in a pie plate and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then finely chop and transfer to a bowl. Add the oil, parsley and grated cheese and mix well.
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In a blender, puree the soup in 2 batches until very smooth. Pour into a clean saucepan and stir in the heavy cream; season with salt and pepper and reheat if necessary. Serve topped with the walnut gremolata.
Make Ahead
The soup can be refrigerated for 2 days.