Celery in Casserole

Baked celery, when prepared correctly, can transform this humble vegetable into a delicious and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a savory and tender baked celery dish that’s perfect as a side for a special dinner or as an addition to your regular meal rotation. By parboiling the celery, making a rich sauce, and baking it to perfection, you’ll experience a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet elegant dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• Celery stalks (as needed)
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 2 cups of water (from boiling celery)
• 1 scant teaspoon of salt
• 1 small saltspoon of pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of sherry or Madeira (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Celery: Start by cutting the celery stalks into four-inch lengths. Halve each stalk lengthwise, leaving the root end intact. Wash the celery thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Parboil the prepared celery in either salted water or milk for ten minutes. Parboiling helps soften the celery and enhances its flavor.
2. Arrange the Celery: Once the celery is parboiled, arrange it neatly in a square or rectangular, oven-safe casserole dish. Leave the root ends facing down for a uniform appearance.
3. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir continuously until the flour is well dissolved in the butter, creating a smooth roux. Gradually add 2 cups of the water in which the celery was boiled. Continue to stir to prevent lumps from forming. Season the sauce with 1 scant teaspoon of salt, 1 small saltspoon of pepper, and add 2 bay leaves for a rich flavor profile. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Once the sauce is ready, strain it to remove the bay leaves and any lumps, then pour it evenly over the arranged celery in the casserole dish.
4. Add Optional Sherry or Madeira: For an extra layer of flavor, you can drizzle 1 teaspoon of sherry or Madeira over the celery and sauce. This step is optional but adds a delightful touch to the dish.
5. Bake the Celery: Cover the casserole dish containing the celery and sauce. Place it in a shallow pan with a little water, creating a water bath to help evenly distribute the heat. Bake the celery in the oven at a moderate temperature for approximately half an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the celery to become tender while maintaining its shape.
6. Serve: Once the baked celery is ready, remove it from the oven. You can serve it directly in the casserole dish for an elegant presentation.

TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

• Cheese Topping: For an extra layer of richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese on top of the baked celery before placing it in the oven. This will create a golden, cheesy crust.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of paprika can add depth to the dish.
• Nutty Crunch: Consider adding a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Vegetable Broth: Instead of water, you can use vegetable broth or stock for the sauce to enhance the overall flavor.

Baked celery is a simple yet elegant dish that can elevate any meal. By following this easy-to-follow recipe, you can transform ordinary celery into a tender and flavorful side dish. The parboiling process ensures that the celery remains tender while baking in the rich, seasoned sauce imparts a delightful flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as part of your everyday menu, baked celery is sure to delight your taste buds and earn its place as a favorite side dish in your repertoire. Customize it with your preferred seasonings and enjoy this classic dish with a touch of sophistication.