1 / 4 cup plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
(about 2 lemons)
2 pounds salsify
Coarse salt
1 1 / 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 / 2 cup heavy cream
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly ground pepper
1 / 4 cup fresh bread crumbs, lightly toasted
1 / 4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to make
Baked creamed salsify
Preheat the oven to 425F, with the rack in the
highest position. Fill a large bowl two-thirds full
with cold water; add 1 / 4 cup lemon juice. Trim the
salsify, and peel with a vegetable peeler, transferring
the salsify to lemon water as you work. Cut the
salsify into 2-inch lengths; return to bowl. Drain.
Cover the salsify with cold water by 2 inches in
a medium saucepan; add1 / 2 teaspoon salt. Bring to
a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high. Cook until tender
but not mushy, 10 to 15 minutes; drain.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over
medium heat. Stir in the salsify. Stir in the cream
and remaining teaspoon lemon juice. Bring to a
bare simmer; remove from heat. Add the nutmeg,
and season with salt and pepper. Pour the salsify
mixture into an 8-inch-square baking dish or 8-cup
gratin dish. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and
cheese. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.