Lemony Braised Celery with Hazelnuts
I see your lemon and raise you hazelnuts! The citrus-inspired celery salad takes a softer approach when sauteed with chicken stock until tender. Be sure to cut celery on the diagonal for a leafy green effect.
I see your lemon and raise you hazelnuts! The citrus-inspired celery salad takes a softer approach when sauteed with chicken stock until tender. Be sure to cut celery on the diagonal for a leafy green effect.
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 5 cup (1-inch) strips lemon rind
- 2 teaspoons bay leaves
- 5 cups (1 1/2-inch) pieces diagonally cut celery, veins
- 3 tablespoons toasted crushed hazelnuts
- 1/3 cup celery leaves
- Carbohydrate 5.10068625028219 g
- Cholesterol 3.6 mg
- Fat 14.9595725349975 g
- Fiber 0.106287498941686 g
- Protein 3.07777625001243 g
- Saturated Fat 2.25469750483246 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (261g)
- Sodium 630.23935000474 mg
- Sugar 4.99439875134051 g
- Trans Fat 0.470802500947732 g
- Calories 165 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine water, chicken stock, 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon rind, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and bay leaves in a large saucepan over high heat; bring to a boil.
- Add diagonally cut celery to pan.
- Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes or until very tender when tested with a sharp knife.
- Transfer celery to a serving plate using a slotted spoon.
- Sprinkle evenly with crushed hazelnuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, celery leaves, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper.
A Simple Symphony of Flavors: Lemony Braised Celery with Hazelnuts
As a busy professional, I often find myself craving simple yet elegant meals. This Lemony Braised Celery with Hazelnuts recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's quick, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated, making it a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a charming addition to a more elaborate meal. The beauty lies in its simplicity; the delicate sweetness of the celery is beautifully complemented by the bright tang of lemon and the satisfying crunch of toasted hazelnuts. It's a dish that speaks volumes without being overly complicated.
The process is remarkably straightforward. The celery, cut diagonally for an appealing visual effect, simmers gently in a fragrant broth of chicken stock, lemon zest, and a hint of bay leaf. This slow braising process allows the celery to become incredibly tender, absorbing the delicious flavors of the broth. The finishing touch – a generous sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of olive oil – elevates this dish from simple to sublime. The contrast of textures and flavors is truly delightful; the soft, yielding celery against the satisfying crunch of the hazelnuts and the bright, zesty lemon.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a delightful side dish alongside roasted chicken or fish, or it can be enjoyed as a light and refreshing vegetarian main course. I often find myself adding this to a larger spread, its simple elegance adding a touch of sophistication to the table. The colors are inviting – the vibrant green of the celery, the warm brown of the hazelnuts, and the sunshine yellow of the lemon zest create a visually appealing dish that's sure to impress your guests.
Beyond the ease of preparation and the exquisite taste, this dish also offers a healthful option. Celery is packed with nutrients and low in calories, while the hazelnuts add a healthy dose of fats and protein. It's a dish I feel good about serving, knowing that it's both delicious and nourishing. This is more than just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that effortlessly blends simplicity, flavor, and healthfulness.
The fragrant steam rising from the pan as the celery simmers, the subtle citrus aroma filling the kitchen – it’s a sensory experience that adds to the enjoyment of preparing this dish. The final result is a stunningly simple yet exceptionally flavorful creation. The combination of textures and tastes is remarkable – tender celery, crunchy hazelnuts, bright lemon, and a hint of savory chicken broth. It's a dish that will quickly become a staple in my culinary repertoire, and I suspect it will become one of your favorites too.
I encourage you to try this recipe, to experience the magic of simple ingredients transformed into a symphony of flavors. The process is as enjoyable as the outcome, and the final result is a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. It's a testament to the power of fresh, high-quality ingredients and a touch of culinary creativity. So, go ahead and embrace the simplicity, and enjoy this delicious and satisfying culinary adventure!
