Celery Salad
- 7 large celery ribs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup diced (1/4 inch) firm white sandwich bread or baguette
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon red-wine vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Special equipment: a Japanese Benriner or other adjustable-blade slicer with julienne attachment
- Accompaniment: soft crumbly goat cheese
- Peel outer strings from 4 celery ribs with a paring knife.
- Cut peeled celery into 2-inch lengths, then use slicer to julienne enough celery to measure 2 cups, reserving all trimmings.
- Transfer julienned celery to a bowl and chill.
- Cut enough of trimmings and remaining ribs into 1/4-inch slices to measure 2 cups.
- Add celery slices (not julienne) and water to a small saucepan and simmer, covered, until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add parsley, stirring until wilted.
- Transfer blanched celery slices, parsley, and any remaining liquid to a blender and puree until smooth, about 2 minutes, then force through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on and discarding solids.
- Stir 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper into celery coulis and set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water.
- Heat 1 cup oil in a 10-inch skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry bread, stirring constantly, until golden brown, 15 to 20 seconds.
- Immediately transfer croutons with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, then sprinkle with celery salt.
- Cool croutons to room temperature.
- Whisk together vinegar, pepper, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining tablespoon oil in a large bowl until blended, then add celery julienne and croutons, tossing to coat.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons celery coulis onto each of 4 plates and pile salad alongside.
celery, water, parsley, salt, extravirgin olive oil, firm white sandwich bread, celery salt, redwine vinegar, black pepper, julienne attachment, goat cheese
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/celery-salad-109002 (may not work)