Celery Cream

We don’t pair many cream sauces with outdoor food, but it’s good to have one in your recipe arsenal. Celery’s something of a sleeper, generally relegated to a small supportive role. It can be a standout, though, when surrounded and enhanced by other mild flavors. Lovage, an easy herb to grow, has a celery-like flavor and is another star in this mixture, but isn’t commonly found in supermarkets. Look for it at a farmers’ market or use an additional tablespoon of celery leaves in its place.

Celery Cream is a luxurious and velvety sauce that celebrates the subtle flavors of celery hearts while adding a touch of indulgence to your grilled chicken. This sauce combines the refreshing essence of celery with the richness of whipping cream, resulting in a harmonious blend that elevates your dish to a new level of sophistication.

At the heart of Celery Cream is the essence of celery hearts, combined with chopped onion and the unique addition of lovage or extra celery leaves. The result is a medley of gentle flavors that resonate with the essence of nature, perfect for those seeking a refined dining experience.

The marriage of whipping cream with the celery mixture adds a velvety richness to the sauce, creating a creamy and smooth texture that coats the palate. This delicate contrast between the lightness of celery and the opulence of cream transforms the ordinary into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Celery Cream is the perfect companion for grilled chicken, as it marries the smoky char of the grill with its own elegant profile. When spooned over grilled chicken breasts or thighs, it enhances the overall taste, infusing each bite with a nuanced creaminess that complements the charred exterior.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, Celery Cream offers versatility. Its gentle flavors make it a versatile pairing not just for grilled chicken, but also for other poultry dishes. The sauce’s simplicity and sophistication ensure that it impresses without overpowering the main dish.

MAKES: ABOUT 4 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups chopped celery hearts, with leaves
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh lovage or additional celery leaves
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup whipping cream
• Celery salt
• White pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Celery Mixture:
   • Combine the chopped celery hearts, onion, lovage (or additional celery leaves), and chicken stock in a saucepan.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
   • Cover the saucepan and let the ingredients cook until the celery is very soft, which should take around 25 minutes.
2. Blend and Strain:
   • Allow the celery mixture to cool slightly.
   • Transfer the mixture to a blender in two batches to ensure smooth blending.
   • Puree each batch until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Strain and Incorporate Cream:
   • Return the pureed mixture back to the saucepan, passing it through a strainer to remove any solids. Press on the solids to extract maximum flavor.
   • Discard the strained solids.
   • Stir the whipping cream into the strained sauce base, creating a luscious and creamy texture.
4. Season and Serve:
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired by adding celery salt and white pepper to your taste preference.
   • Serve the Celery Cream warm, spooned generously over your grilled chicken.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Celery Cream is a versatile companion for grilled chicken, offering a delicate and creamy counterpoint to the charred smokiness of the meat. It can be served warm, generously ladled over your perfectly grilled chicken breasts or thighs. The sauce’s smooth texture and refreshing flavor profile provide a delightful contrast, enhancing each bite and adding an element of elegance to your meal.

STORAGE:

• The sauce can be cooled and refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor its delightful flavors over multiple meals.
• Celery Cream transforms the humble celery into an elegant and refined sauce that beautifully complements grilled chicken. Its creamy texture and delicate flavors create a delightful pairing, making your dining experience truly memorable.