Baked Celery

Celery, with its crisp texture and mild flavor, can be transformed into a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. In this guide, we’ll explore a recipe for Baked Celery Casserole, a simple yet delicious way to elevate celery to the next level. This dish combines blanched celery with a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe has you covered.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 bunches of celery (cut into two-inch lengths and blanched)
• 1 cup milk and water stock (equal quantities of each)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs
• Breadcrumbs (for topping)
• Butter (for greasing the baking dish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Celery:

1. Cut and Blanch the Celery: Start by cutting the celery into two-inch lengths. Wash the celery thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. In a large pot, blanch the celery by boiling it in a mixture of equal parts milk and water for fifteen minutes. Once blanched, remove the celery from the liquid and allow it to cool.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

1. Create the Roux: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of flour to the melted butter and stir continuously until you have a smooth roux.
2. Add Milk and Season: Gradually pour in 1 cup of the milk and water stock, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from the heat.
3. Incorporate the Eggs: Vigorously beat 2 eggs until well combined. Slowly and gradually incorporate the beaten eggs into the sauce, stirring continuously. Ensure that the eggs are thoroughly blended, creating a creamy texture.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Butter the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the Celery: Place the blanched and cooled celery pieces evenly in the buttered baking dish.
3. Pour Over the Sauce: Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the arranged celery, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed.
4. Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. This will create a delightful golden crust when baked.
5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish and bake in the oven for approximately twenty minutes. Uncover the casserole and continue baking until the top is nicely browned and the dish is heated through.

SERVING SUGGESTION:

Baked Celery Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a flavorful side dish or as a vegetarian main course. Its creamy texture and golden breadcrumb topping make it a visually appealing addition to any meal.

TIPS:

• Celery Selection: Choose fresh celery bunches with crisp stalks for the best texture and flavor.
• Blanching: Blanching the celery in a mixture of boiling water and milk helps tenderize it and remove any bitterness.
• Creamy Sauce: The sauce is a crucial component of this dish. Make sure to blend the butter, flour, and eggs thoroughly to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Baked Celery Casserole is proof that even the simplest ingredients, like celery, can be turned into a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases the wonderful flavors and versatility of celery. Enjoy the culinary journey as you savor this delightful creation!