| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| 6 large stalks of celery, trimmed and cut into 4 inch pieces |
| 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter |
| 1/2 cup of vegetable broth |
| 1/2 cup of dry white wine |
| Salt to taste |
| A pinch of white pepper |
| 1/2 of a lemon, zested and juiced |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 98 | 4g | 1g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 3g | 0.3g |
Imagine the crunch of crisp, freshly-cut celery giving way to a tender, flavorful center. That’s what you get with every bite of Braised Celery — a vegetable-based delight that combines the health benefits of celery with a dash of culinary prowess. Raised in the sunny valleys of California, where fresh produce abounds, my love for vegetable-based dishes took root.
Celebrating Celery
Much like the avocado toasts and fresh salads that have become staples in my personal and professional culinary journey, this Braised Celery recipe aligns perfectly with my West Coast health-conscious ethos. It’s a testament to how even the simplest of vegetables can be transformed into something warm, inviting, and incredibly delicious.
Using celery as the star ingredient, this dish sheds a new light on this often-overlooked veggie. Beyond its crunchy texture and distinct flavor, celery is packed with nutritional benefits, including a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Furthermore, it supports hydration, thanks to its high water content. A perfect addition to my table, where I aim to nurture my three adopted children with wholesome meals.
Culinary Pairings
While this Braised Celery dish is a fantastic standalone snack or side dish, it’s also versatile enough to complement many other recipes. Its savory hint of vegetable broth and dry white wine pairs beautifully with a hearty roast chicken, just like the ones I grew up with in California’s wine country. Similarly, it brings a satisfying crunch to a creamy risotto, adding a fun texture and refreshing bite to the rich rice dish.
For those who appreciate a good vino, accompany this dish with a glass of your preferred dry white wine. Not only will it echo the subtle flavors used in braising, but it also provides a wonderful counterbalance to the dish’s vibrant citrus notes, echoed beautifully with the addition of fresh lemon zest and juice.
In my own kitchen, I’ve found that it even works nicely alongside traditional American comfort dishes, like pot roasts or mashed potatoes. Bringing in some West Coast wellness and a twist of gourmet sophistication, this Braised Celery recipe, a humble yet impactful offering, is indeed an ode to my California upbringing and commitment to balanced, healthful eating.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large stalks of celery, trimmed and cut into 4 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of dry white wine
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of white pepper
- 1/2 of a lemon, zested and juiced
Method
Step One
Start by washing the celery thoroughly then trimming off the ends and cutting the stalks into approximately 4 inch pieces.
Step Two
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts to foam, add the chopped celery to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes until it just starts to soften.
Step Three
Once the celery has softened, add the vegetable broth and dry white wine to the skillet. Season with salt according to your taste and add a pinch of white pepper to give a gentle heat to the dish.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to low and let the celery simmer in the broth and wine mixture for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, or until the celery is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step Five
Remove the skillet from the heat and finish by adding the zest and juice of half a lemon. Gently mix together to combine, ensuring all pieces of celery are coated in the zesty, buttery sauce.
