1cuphigh quality grated gruyereor another nutty cheese, like aged gouda
Fresh watercress and chickweed
Virgin sunflower oilas needed for dressing the greens (I only use Smude's oil)
Fresh lemon juiceto taste
Kosher salt and pepperto taste
For the dressing
1large egg
1tablespoondijon mustard
1tablespoonwater
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
¾cupflavorless oillike grapeseed
¼cupvirgin sunflower oilwalnut, olive or hazelnut oil would be great too
Kosher salt and pepperto taste
Preserved lemon rind¼ of a lemon will give you plenty
Instructions
Dressing
Blanch the preserved lemon in boiling, unseasoned water, then remove any white pith and dice ⅛ in.
Combine the egg, water, lemon juice, and mustard in the bowl of a food processor and pulse. Turn the speed to high and drizzle in the oil slowly until a creamy emulsion is formed, it should be thick and stiff after all the oil has been added. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, taste, then adjust as needed. Transfer the dressing to a container and reserve until needed.
Celery Root
Combine the grated celery root and cheese in a bowl with ¼ cup of the dressing and the diced preserved lemon (this can be done ahead of time, and will allow the celeriac to soften).
Plating
Use two spoons to form egg shapes of the celery root-cheese salad, placing them in the middle of some chilled salad plates.
Lightly dress the cress and chickweed with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and arrange small mounds of the greens on top of the salad.
Serve immediately.
Notes
The flavorful oil is one of the most important ingredients, walnut, hazelnut or extra virgin olive would all make a great salad too.The dressing makes much more than you'll need, since it's difficult to make an emulsion at home with less than one egg to dress a salad for two people.Preserved lemons are an important part of the dressing. I make my own when my grandmother sends me lemons from her tree in Arizona by quartering them and packing them in salt for a few months in mason jars in the fridge, they can also be purchased.