| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 75 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 452 | 25g | 13g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 8g | 12g | 1.12g |
As I sit down to share my love for a sweet yet hearty dish called the Celery Leaf and Potato Bake, I am immediately flooded with nostalgia for the family gatherings around the dinner table where this deliciousness unfolded. This remarkable recipe combines the earthiness of celery leaves with the comforting texture of tender potatoes, finished off with a creamy base that gives it a delectable richness.
A Taste of Tradition and Health
For me, the Celery Leaf and Potato Bake is more than just a delightful dish—it’s a fusion of my Irish roots and New England upbringing. It’s a wholesome recipe that not only tastes incredible, detailed with a tandem of various flavors, but also brings numerous health benefits. Incorporated in this recipe are valuable celery leaves, a widely overlooked but incredibly nutritious part of the plant that is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and a bounty of antioxidants.
The Perfect Balance
There’s nothing quite like the contrast between the velvety potatoes and the sweet note brought by the celery leaves. And when paired with a savory mix of garlic, Parmesan and cheddar cheese, I find it offers a perfect balance that brings comfort at every spoonful. Every bite combines well-loved elements of simplicity and sophistication.
This dish reminds me of a classic gratin but with our own unique twist, giving it a character all its own. The Celery Leaf and Potato Bake blends phenomenally with a fresh, crisp salad or can even wonderfully complement a protein-rich dish like a glazed ham or steak.
I hold this recipe close to my heart not merely because of its wonderful taste, but also due to the memories it induces. Unwrapping the oven door and getting a whiff of this beautifully golden, bubbling bake transports me back to those cherished moments around the family table. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmet or new to the kitchen, I’m certain that this Celery Leaf and Potato Bake will bring a comforting and healthy addition to your menu.
If you are interested, you can learn more about the health benefits of celery leaves from here and more broad range of potato based recipes from here.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups celery leaves, chopped
- 8 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees celsius (around 350 Fahrenheit) and use the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to grease a baking dish that will be large enough to hold all of the ingredients.
Step Two
Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes along the base of the baking dish, lightly seasoning each layer with salt and pepper. Continue this process until all potatoes are used and evenly layered.
Step Three
In a saucepan, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, and whole milk, bringing the ingredients to a low boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld together and infuse the cream mixture.
Step Four
Pour the garlic and cream mixture over the layered potatoes, making sure it’s evenly distributed. The liquid should come up just under the top layer of potatoes.
Step Five
Next, sprinkle the chopped celery leaves evenly over the top of the potatoes. Following this, spread the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer over the celery leaves to enhance the taste and add a crispy texture to the baked dish.
Step Six
Sprinkle the paprika over the top and place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour or until the top forms a golden crust and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step Seven
Allow your Celery Leaf and Potato Bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. To finalize, garnish the dish with fresh, chopped parsley.
