Velvety Celery Root Puree Recipe: Ina Garten’s Dreamy Side

Silky smooth and luxuriously creamy, this celery root puree by Ina Garten brings an elegant twist to your dinner table.

Velvety textures mingle with delicate flavors that dance across your palate.

root vegetables rarely steal the spotlight like this remarkable dish does.

The humble celery root emerges as a sophisticated star, whispering subtle nutty undertones.

Butter and cream amplify its natural richness, creating a side dish that feels simultaneously rustic and refined.

Forget mundane mashed potatoes – this puree offers a gourmet experience that will surprise and delight.

You’ll want to savor every decadent spoonful of this culinary gem.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 358 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s in Ina Garten Rich Celery Root Puree

• Celery Root: Sweet, nutty vegetable with unique earthy flavor; choose firm, heavy roots without soft spots or excessive blemishes.
• Chicken Stock: Adds deep, rich flavor foundation; select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, silky texture; opt for fresh, high-quality cream for best results.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste profile; use kosher or sea salt for balanced flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity; freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.

• Butter: Creates rich, golden base for sautéing; select unsalted butter to manage recipe's saltiness.

Tools for Smooth Ina Garten Rich Celery Root Puree

• Large chef's knife: Essential for peeling and dicing celery root precisely and safely.
• Large heavy-bottomed pot: Perfect for even heating and sautéing the celery root.
• Food processor with steel blade: Critical for creating a smooth, creamy puree.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and coat celery root in butter during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Rich Celery Root Puree Step-by-Step

• Celery Root Preparation

Carefully trim and peel the rough exterior of the celery root, creating clean surfaces. Remove any discolored or tough sections to ensure a smooth, high-quality base for the puree.

• Butter Sautéing

Heat a large pot and melt butter, creating a golden foundation. Gently introduce celery root cubes, coating them evenly to develop rich, nutty flavors and enhance the vegetable’s natural sweetness.

• Liquid Integration

Pour chicken stock and cream into the pot, transforming the mixture into a luxurious blend. Allow the ingredients to simmer gently, softening the celery root and melding flavors until the vegetable becomes incredibly tender.

• Smooth Transformation

Transfer the cooked mixture into a food processor. Blend until silky and uniform, creating a velvety texture that showcases the celery root’s delicate essence. The puree should feel light and airy.

• Final Touches

Return the puree to the pot, warming it gently. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced and delectable side dish that complements any main course. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and elegance.

Ways to Boost Flavor in Ina Garten Rich Celery Root Puree

• Quickly rinse peeled celery root in acidulated water to prevent browning and maintain fresh appearance.
• Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use homemade bone broth for deeper flavor complexity.
• Experiment with different blending techniques – use an immersion blender for rustic texture or high-powered blender for ultra-silky consistency.
• Enhance the puree by stirring in roasted garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or chives, or a splash of truffle oil just before serving for gourmet touch.
• Prepare puree up to 2 days in advance, storing in airtight container. Gently reheat with additional cream or stock to restore original creamy consistency.

Dish It Up: Serving Ina Garten Rich Celery Root Puree

• Elevate Your Main Course: Serve this creamy celery root purée alongside roasted chicken, pan-seared steak, or herb-crusted lamb for a luxurious side dish that adds elegance to your meal.
• Create a Comforting Plating: Spread the smooth purée as a velvety base for grilled vegetables or use it as a rich, warming foundation for delicate fish dishes, creating a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle some fresh chopped chives, thyme, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top to add a pop of color and extra flavor dimension to the silky white purée.
• Make It a Meal Prep Star: Store the purée in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, gently reheating with a splash of cream to maintain its luxurious texture.

How to Store Ina Garten Rich Celery Root Puree Like a Pro

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover celery root puree in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to maintain best flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer puree to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick weeknight side dish options.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or chicken stock to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid high temperatures that might separate the mixture.
• Revive Texture Perfectly: When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator. Stir well and use additional liquid if puree appears too thick. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Silky Celery Root Puree Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s celery root puree delivers creamy sophistication with French-inspired elegance. Luxurious roots blend seamlessly, offering you a silky, sophisticated side dish perfect for elevated dinner experiences.

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Ingredients

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• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) celery root, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 1½ cups (360 ml) chicken stock, preferably homemade
• 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Using a sharp chef’s knife, meticulously peel the celery root, removing its rugged exterior. Slice each root in half and precisely cube into uniform 0.5-inch pieces, discarding any blemished sections.
2. Sautéing: In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add diced celery root, stirring to ensure an even, golden coating across each cube. Lower temperature to medium-low, cover, and steam for 10 minutes to develop rich flavor and tender texture.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Briefly raise heat to initiate boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow mixture to meld for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
4. Puréeing: Transfer softened vegetables in batches to a food processor with a steel blade. Pulse and blend until achieving an ultra-smooth, velvety consistency with no remaining chunks.
5. Finishing: Return puréed mixture to the original pot, gently reheating over low temperature. Taste critically and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, maintaining optimal warmth and silky texture.

Notes

• Knife Selection: Use a sharp chef’s knife for precise and safe celery root preparation, ensuring clean cuts and minimal waste.
• Butter Technique: Melt butter at medium-high heat to create a golden coating that enhances the vegetable’s natural flavors and provides a rich foundation.
• Softening Strategy: Cover the pot during cooking to steam celery root evenly, developing deep, complex flavors and tender texture without drying out.
• Blending Brilliance: Process in batches for an ultra-smooth puree, checking texture to eliminate any remaining chunks and achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 358
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 563 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg