Marinated Celery Hellenic-style

Marinated Celery Hellenic-style Recipe | Vegetarian Greek Food

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Marinated Celery Hellenic-style is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light appetizer or side dish. The combination of fresh celery, herbs, and lemon creates a delicious and tangy flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, where marinating vegetables is a common practice. The use of fresh herbs and lemon in the marinade adds a Mediterranean twist to this dish, making it a perfect addition to any Greek-inspired meal.

Ingredients

1 bunch of Pascal celery, 4 cups
0.33 cup of olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp of fresh chopped fennel leaves
up to 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
chopped sprigs of fresh parsley
freshly ground white pepper

Garnish

slices of lemon
fennel leaves

How to prepare

Scrape the celery lightly. Using a sharp knife, cut the stalks diagonally into 1.5 inch pieces. Cut larger pieces in half lengthwise.
To make the marinade, combine the oil, lemon juice, herbs, seasonings, and 0.5 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Drop the celery into the marinade. Stir and add only enough water to half cover the celery.
Invert a dish over the celery. Cover the pan and simmer for 10 minutes or until the celery is crisp-tender.
Cool the celery in the marinade.
Store the celery, along with the marinade, in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator.
Serve the celery cold, garnished with lemon and fennel.

Variations

Add sliced olives or capers to the marinade for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute fresh dill for the fennel leaves for a different herbaceous twist.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to scrape the celery lightly to remove any tough outer strings before cutting it into pieces.

- Cutting the celery diagonally helps to create more surface area for the marinade to penetrate, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

- Make sure to cool the celery in the marinade before storing it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marinated Celery Hellenic-style as a side dish to grilled fish or chicken, or as a light appetizer before a Greek-inspired meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinating the celery in the flavorful herb and lemon mixture helps to infuse the vegetable with delicious flavors and creates a tender and crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh fennel leaves, you can substitute with fresh dill or parsley. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinated Celery Hellenic-style can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Marinated Celery Hellenic-style in a glass jar or on a platter garnished with lemon slices and fennel leaves for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Marinated Celery Hellenic-style with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a Greek salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Marinated Celery Hellenic-style in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve cold or at room temperature for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Marinated Celery Hellenic-style contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Marinated Celery Hellenic-style contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Marinated Celery Hellenic-style contains approximately 11 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Marinated Celery Hellenic-style contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Marinated Celery Hellenic-style is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it contains olive oil, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Marinated Celery Hellenic-style is a healthy and flavorful dish that is low in calories and carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your meal.

Summary

Marinated Celery Hellenic-style is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing appetizer or side dish. The combination of fresh celery, herbs, and lemon creates a flavorful and tangy dish that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish as part of your next meal!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Marinated Celery Hellenic-style. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always admired her skills in the kitchen. On that particular day, she was preparing a delicious Greek feast for her family, and I was lucky enough to be there to witness it.

As Maria chopped and sliced, she explained to me the importance of fresh ingredients and traditional Greek flavors. She told me that this recipe for Marinated Celery Hellenic-style was passed down to her from her own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been in their family for generations, and Maria was proud to carry on the tradition.

I watched as Maria carefully peeled and sliced the celery, taking care to remove any tough strings. She then soaked the celery in cold water to crisp it up, a trick she said she learned from her grandmother. While the celery soaked, Maria prepared the marinade, a simple yet delicious combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

Once the celery was ready, Maria drained it and tossed it in the marinade, making sure each piece was coated evenly. She then covered the bowl and placed it in the refrigerator to marinate for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

As we waited for the celery to marinate, Maria told me stories of her family and their love for food. She spoke of long summer days spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning traditional recipes and techniques that had been passed down through the generations. It was clear to me that cooking was not just a necessity for Maria's family, but a way of connecting with their heritage and preserving their culture.

Finally, the time came to enjoy the Marinated Celery Hellenic-style. Maria plated it beautifully, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta cheese. The flavors were bright and tangy, with a subtle sweetness from the honey. It was a dish that was simple yet full of depth, a true reflection of the Greek cuisine that Maria loved so much.

As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. It was a dish that spoke to me of tradition and family, of love and connection. I thanked Maria for sharing her recipe with me, knowing that it would be a dish that I would pass down to my own grandchildren one day.

And so, as I sit in my own kitchen now, preparing the Marinated Celery Hellenic-style for my family, I can't help but think of Maria and her grandmother. I am grateful for the lessons they taught me, not just in cooking, but in life. And as I serve this dish to my loved ones, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will live on for generations to come.