PARSNIP AND CHEDDAR SOUFFLé

Parsnip and Cheddar Soufflé image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound parsnips, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
6 large eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Steps:

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 400°F. Combine parsnips, water, salt and bay leaf in medium saucepan. Cover and simmer until parsnips are very tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid; discard bay leaf. Puree parsnips in processor until smooth. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover; let stand at room temperature.)
Butter 8-cup soufflè dish; dust with flour. Melt 1/4 cup butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup flour and stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cooking liquid. Boil until smooth and thick, whisking frequently, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, sage and parsnip puree. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk in yolks.
Using electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar in large bowl until stiff but not dry. Gently fold into parsnip mixture in 3 additions. Transfer to prepared dish. Bake until soufflè is puffed and top is golden brown, about 40 minutes. Serve immediately.