| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 85 | 7g | 1g | 6g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 1g | 1.5g |
There are few things I cherish more than sharing my love of cooking, especially when it comes to introducing fresh, vibrant recipes, such as the Roasted Alexanders with sea salt and oil. This particular dish is a beautiful example of how simple, quality produce can create wonderful flavors, a principle that I learned from my Texan roots.
The Simplicity of this Recipe and its Origins
The recipe encapsulates a beautiful simplicity that elevated everyday foods into something extraordinary. Alexanders, also known as wild celery, olive oil, and sea salt are staples of many kitchens across the world, but when they come together in this recipe, they sing. Alexanders have a bright, distinct flavor, similar to celery but more robust. This makes them a wonderful base for dishes akin to celery risotto and a wonderful accompaniment to hearty meat dishes.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Not only is this Roasted Alexanders with sea salt and oil recipe easy to make and delicious, but it’s also really good for you. Alexanders are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals such as iron, making it an excellent ingredient for boosting immunity. Furthermore, the high-quality olive oil used here has well-known heart-protective properties, thanks to its good fats. The sea salt, in moderation, can also provide necessary minerals for your body. Including optional lemon adds a zesty flavor and provides a boost of vitamin C.
In the spirit of taking extraordinary flavors and making them accessible, it’s no surprise this recipe pairs beautifully with traditional Southern dishes I grew up enjoying. It’s perfect alongside Southern fried chicken or even a sizzling steak, but it also holds its own as a unique, standalone dish.
I love this recipe not just for its flavors, but for what it represents – simple ingredients, elevated with a little care and attention to detail. That’s something I try to bring into my cooking, my teaching, and my life in general. After all, isn’t it the small details and simple things where beauty truly resides?
What You’ll Need
- 4 bunches of Alexanders (wild celery)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- Optional: 2 lemons (cut into halves)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Two
Wash the Alexanders thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step Three
Lay the Alexanders out on a baking tray. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over them. Sprinkle the sea salt on top.
Step Four
Put the tray in the preheated oven and roast the Alexanders for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.
Step Five
If desired, squeeze the juice from the lemons over the roasted Alexanders just before serving. This will add a tangy, citrusy flavor that complements the saltiness and the rich flavor of the olive oil.
Step Six
Enjoy your roasted Alexanders as a snack, a side dish, or even a main course! They are a healthy and delicious way to appreciate the flavors of the wild.
