Buttered Salsify Recipes

PAN-ROASTED SALSIFY

Steps:

• Roughly crush peppercorns in a mortar. Set aside.
• Use rubber gloves at all times during the preparation of salsify. Rinse and scrub salsify under running water to eliminate the dirt. Peel with a vegetable peeler and rinse again. Cut into 3-inch pieces. Cut lengthwise in half or even in quarters, to get 3-inch-long and 1/4-inch-thick pieces.
• Melt ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sea salt and crushed peppercorns. Add salsify pieces and cover. Cook until browned, flipping pieces as needed, about 15 minutes. Place on a serving plate and top with dill before serving.

CARAMELIZED SALSIFY, SPATZLE AND ROASTED VEGETABLE BROTH

Steps:

• For broth, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Peel and dice vegetables and place in a large roasting pan or 2 pans to avoid overcrowding. Toss with the oil. Roast until browned, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a large pot and add 4 cups of water. Place over medium heat and simmer until broth is reduced to 2 cups, about 30 minutes. Strain and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pepper and thyme. Set aside.
• Place salsify and milk in a large pot over medium heat. Simmer until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Cut in half lengthwise and then across into 2-inch pieces. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salsify and cook until it turns light brown, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• For spatzle, whisk together the milk, eggs, mustard, salt and pepper. Add flour and stir until smooth. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place a one-sided grater with large holes over the pot and press the spatzle mixture through the holes, letting it drop into the pot. Cook until spatzle rises to the top, about 1 to 2 minutes. Drain.
• To serve, reheat broth and salsify. Melt 2 teaspoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add spatzle and toss until heated through. Divide salsify among 4 bowls and top with spatzle. Remove thyme from broth and ladle into the bowls. Serve immediately.

BUTTERED SALSIFY

Steps:

• Have a bowl of cold water ready to which a little lemon juice or vinegar has been added.
• Cut off the tops of the salsify root, peel with a vegetable scraper, and drop immediately into the cold acidulated water to prevent discoloration.
• Cut into 1/2-inch wide strips about 2 inches long.
• Drop them into large pot filled with boiling water and cook, covered, until tender, about 20 minutes; avoid overcooking as the flesh should not become mushy.
• Drain well; add butter, salt, pepper, and a sprinkling of parsley or chives and toss well before serving.

SALSIFY IN LEMON BUTTER

Steps:

• Combine the salsify, rosemary, basil stems, 1/4 cup of the lemon juice, 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer very gently until the salsify is tender, about 45 minutes. Drain the salsify, and cut into 3-inch-long pieces; halve thicker pieces lengthwise.
• Combine the butter, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/3 cup lemon juice, and 1/3 cup water in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until the butter melts. Add the salsify and cook, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and clings to the salsify, about 8 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide among serving plates, and top with the basil leaves.

POOR MAN'S OYSTER STEW - CREAMY SALSIFY SOUP

Steps:

• In a saucepan, bring the salsify and water to a boil over medium heat.
• Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
• Stir in cream, butter, salt and pepper.
• Cook and stir for 4 minutes or until butter is melted and cream is heated through.
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BRAISED SALSIFY

Steps:

• Squeeze lemon juice in a large bowl. Add the rinds, and 6 cups of water. Peel salsify, trim the ends, and cut into 1/2-inch-by-2 1/2-inch long lengths. Place salsify in lemon water to keep it from browning.
• In a large straight-sided skillet, heat soffrito over medium heat. Add garlic and rosemary, and cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes with reserved juices. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the flavors begin to meld, about 10 minutes.
• Drain salsify, and place it into skillet with 1 cup water. Cover, and simmer over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until tender, about 45 minutes. If the skillet begins to get dry, add a little more water. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil, and serve.

SALSIFY CRUMPETS

Steps:

• Mix together the crème fraîche and Dijon mustard, and set aside. Toss the salsify in the lemon juice to stop them discolouring.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the salsify for 2-3 mins, then add the butter. Turn the heat down and cook gently for 10-12 mins, or until the salsify is soft and golden. Keep the salsify warm while you poach the eggs.
• Top the crumpets with a generous pinch of the grated mature cheddar and grill until melted and bubbling. Sprinkle the salsify with a pinch of grated nutmeg and season.
• Pile the salsify over the crumpets, then top with a poached egg each and the mustardy crème fraîche. Serve with a few chopped chives, some black pepper and a drizzle of butter from the pan.