Celery Root and Potato Puree with Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke "Croutons"

Name: Celery Root and Potato Puree with Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke "Croutons"
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 2 medium celery roots (celeriac; 1 3/4 pounds total), trimmed, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups); 1 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 3 cups); 1 2 cups low-salt chicken broth; 1 2 cups whole milk; 1 3 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 3 fresh thyme sprigs; 1 1 fresh bay leaf; 1 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided; 1 8 ounces Jerusalem artichokes (also called sunchokes), scrubbed; 1 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (for garnish); 1 "Ingredient info: Jerusalem artichokes; 1 the tubers of a variety of sunflower; 1 are available in the produce section of some supermarkets and at farmers markets."

From the kitchen of Carly

Creamy celery root and potato puree gets earthy depth from thyme and garlic, topped with crispy roasted Jerusalem artichokes that provide a nutty contrast. Rich, refined comfort food that tastes far more complicated than it actually is.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

12 medium celery roots (celeriac; 1 3/4 pounds total), trimmed, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
11 pound russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
12 cups low-salt chicken broth
12 cups whole milk
13 garlic cloves, peeled
13 fresh thyme sprigs
11 fresh bay leaf
14 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, divided
18 ounces Jerusalem artichokes (also called sunchokes), scrubbed
11/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
11 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (for garnish)
1"Ingredient info: Jerusalem artichokes
1the tubers of a variety of sunflower
1are available in the produce section of some supermarkets and at farmers markets."

Instructions

Combine first 7 ingredients in heavy large pot. Add enough water to cover. Sprinkle with salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer with lid slightly ajar until vegetables are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; return to pot. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir over medium heat to dry vegetables. Using potato masher, mash vegetables until coarsely pureed. Mash in 3 1/2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to microwave-safe bowl; cover and chill. Rewarm in microwave before serving.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut Jerusalem artichokes into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in medium bowl; add oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Dot with remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter. Transfer to rimmed baking sheet; roast until tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, about 25 minutes.
Place celery root and potato puree in serving bowl. Sprinkle Jerusalem artichokes and chopped thyme over and serve.