Peel the black salsify (gloves are recommended, as it stains strongly), and immediately put it into lemon water so it doesn't brown.
Cut into pieces (about 5-6 cm), and cook in salted, lemony water over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork.
Drain, and place on a platter.
Melt the butter in a pan, add the breadcrumbs, and fry over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the salsify, and serve immediately.
It can also be served with a white butter sauce: melt the butter, stir in 2 tbsp flour, fry briefly, add 200 ml milk or cooking liquid, cook smooth, season with salt, and pour this over the salsify instead of the buttered breadcrumbs.
Based on: Malatinszky Fanny szakácskönyve (a classic Hungarian cookbook), modernised. Calories and protein are estimated.