Sedano Ripieno-stuffed Celery

Sedano Ripieno-stuffed Celery Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sedano Ripieno, or stuffed celery, is a classic Italian dish that combines tender celery stalks with a flavorful meat and cheese filling. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or as a unique appetizer for a dinner party.

History

The origins of Sedano Ripieno can be traced back to Italy, where it is a popular dish in many regions. The combination of celery, meat, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying dish that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

10 large celery ribs (cut into 4-inch pieces)
0.75 cup milk
2 slices bread (crust removed and cut into bite-sized chunks)
4 oz (113 g) mortadella
4 oz (113 g) lean veal
2 oz (57 g) prosciutto
2 jumbo eggs
0.25 cup parsley (any desired variety)
1 tsp minced garlic
0.25 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
0.5 cup Locatelli cheese
1 cup tomato sauce (any variety, preferably homemade)

How to prepare

Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil and add the celery.
Cook the celery until it is barely tender when pierced with a knife, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
Drain the celery and pat it dry.
Meanwhile, warm the milk in a small saucepan.
Add the slices of bread to the milk and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes creamy and oatmeal-like.
Set the milk mixture aside to cool.
Grind the mortadella, veal, and prosciutto using a meat grinder or food processor with a steel blade.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, parsley, garlic, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and 0.25 cup of cheese.
Stir in the ground meats and the milk mixture to create a creamy filling.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly oil a 9 or 10" baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of the baking dish and cover it with a layer of celery.
Spread the filling over the celery, followed by the remaining tomato sauce.
If desired, create a second layer by repeating the previous steps but arranging the celery stalks at a 90-degree angle to the first layer to form a woven pattern.
Cover the second layer with filling, sauce, and grated cheese.
Bake the dish for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are browned.
Serve the dish hot or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more cheese and vegetables to the filling.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling for a sweet and savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the celery until it is just tender, as overcooking can make it mushy.

- Grinding the meats together creates a smooth and creamy filling that is easy to spread over the celery.

- Layering the celery and filling in a baking dish allows for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Sedano Ripieno can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as an appetizer for a dinner party. It pairs well with a glass of red wine.

Cooking Techniques

Grinding the meats together creates a smooth and creamy filling.

- Layering the celery and filling in a baking dish allows for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground beef or pork instead of veal in the filling.

- Any type of cheese can be used in place of Locatelli cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Sedano Ripieno can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or grated cheese before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sedano Ripieno pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. It also goes well with a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sedano Ripieno can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sedano Ripieno contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sedano Ripieno contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sedano Ripieno contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sedano Ripieno contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sedano Ripieno is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Sedano Ripieno is a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Sedano Ripieno is a delicious and unique dish that combines tender celery with a flavorful meat and cheese filling. It is perfect for a special occasion or as a unique appetizer for a dinner party. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Sedano Ripieno - stuffed celery. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Rosa in her cozy little cottage nestled in the countryside. Rosa was known for her incredible culinary skills and was always eager to share her latest discoveries with me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat. Rosa greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, and she wasted no time in getting me involved in the cooking process.

"Today, we are going to make Sedano Ripieno," Rosa announced, holding up a bunch of crisp, green celery stalks. "It is a traditional Italian dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer for a dinner party."

I watched in awe as Rosa expertly sliced the celery stalks into bite-sized pieces and scooped out the centers to create little boats. She then whipped up a savory mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, tangy Parmesan, fragrant herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs to stuff into the celery boats.

As the Sedano Ripieno baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma wafted through Rosa's kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When she finally pulled the dish out of the oven, the golden brown tops were perfectly crisp, and the cheese had melted into a gooey, delicious filling.

Rosa plated the Sedano Ripieno with a flourish and handed me a fork. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The creamy cheese, the crunchy breadcrumbs, and the tender celery all mingled together in perfect harmony. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I begged Rosa for the recipe, knowing that I had to share this culinary gem with my own family. She chuckled and handed me a tattered piece of paper with her handwritten notes scrawled across it.

"Remember, cooking is all about love and passion," Rosa whispered as she hugged me goodbye. "Share this recipe with someone you love, and it will bring them joy and comfort, just like it has for me."

And so, armed with Rosa's recipe for Sedano Ripieno, I returned home and set to work recreating the dish for my family. I carefully chopped the celery, mixed the filling, and baked the dish until it was golden and bubbly.

When I presented the Sedano Ripieno to my family that evening, their eyes lit up with delight. They eagerly dug into the dish, savoring each bite and proclaiming it one of the best things they had ever tasted. I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had successfully recreated Rosa's masterpiece in my own kitchen.

From that day on, Sedano Ripieno became a staple in our family's recipe repertoire. I shared it with friends, neighbors, and anyone else who would listen, spreading the joy and love that Rosa had instilled in me.

As the years went by, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the memory of that day in Rosa's kitchen, the sense of anticipation and excitement, always lingered in the back of my mind.

And every time I take a bite of Sedano Ripieno, I am transported back to that moment, surrounded by love, laughter, and the simple joy of good food shared with those I hold dear. In every bite, I taste the legacy of Rosa, the passion for cooking she passed down to me, and the memories we created together in her cozy little cottage in the countryside.