Stuffed Celery

Stuffed Celery Recipe - Delicious Ground Beef and Italian Parsley Filling

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Stuffed celery is a delicious and savory dish that combines the crunchiness of celery with a flavorful meat filling. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or as a unique appetizer for a dinner party.

History

The origins of stuffed celery can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where it was a popular dish served at banquets and feasts. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of celery
salt
1 slice of stale bread
1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
3 eggs
2 tbsp of fresh chopped italian parsley
freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup of unbleached flour
olive oil
1 minced clove of garlic
1.5 cup of peeled tomatoes or 1.5 cup of canned tomatoes

How to prepare

Place bread in a small saucepan, covering it with water. Let it soak for 5 minutes. Drain excess water and place saucepan over high heat. Cook and stir until the bread becomes a pap, similar to cooked cereal.
Separate celery stalks and remove any stringy fibers. Cut them into 36 pieces, each measuring 2.5 inches. Place the celery in a saucepan with 1 tsp of salt. Add enough water to cover the celery. Bring to a boil and cook, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes. Drain and let it cool.
In a bowl, combine the cooked bread and meat. Add 1 egg, 1 tbsp of parsley, 1 tsp of salt, and 0.13 tsp of pepper. Mix well. Divide the mixture into 18 small balls.
Take one ball and place it between two pieces of celery. Press firmly to ensure they hold together. Roll the stuffed celery in flour and place it on a piece of wax paper. Repeat this step until all the meat and celery have been used.
Beat the remaining eggs with a pinch of salt. Heat 0.5 cup of oil in a frying pan. Dip the stuffed celery in the beaten eggs and fry until golden on all sides. Place the fried celery in a large skillet in a single layer. Add garlic, tomatoes, 3 tbsp of oil, remaining parsley, and small amounts of salt and pepper. Place the skillet over medium heat and cook, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.

Notes

You may prepare stuffed celery a day ahead of time. Reheat a moment before serving, it actually tastes better than when served immediately after cooking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the celery until it is tender but still has a slight crunch to it.

- Be sure to press the meat mixture firmly between the celery pieces to ensure they hold together during cooking.

- Fry the stuffed celery in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed celery can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of salad or rice.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the celery before stuffing helps to soften it and make it easier to eat.

- Frying the stuffed celery adds a crispy texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed celery ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to fry and cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed celery on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed celery pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed celery contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed celery contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed celery contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed celery contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed celery is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread and eggs. It may also contain traces of dairy if the bread used contains milk.

Summary

Stuffed celery is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Stuffed celery is a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. With a delicious meat filling and tender celery, this recipe is a must-try for any food lover.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for stuffed celery. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up the most delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients.

One day, as I watched her prepare a meal for our family, she pulled out a small, tattered recipe book from her apron pocket. Curious, I asked her what she was making and she replied with a twinkle in her eye, "Stuffed celery, my dear. A family favorite."

I watched intently as she carefully washed and trimmed the celery stalks, then filled them with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic. She topped them off with a sprinkle of paprika for color and popped them in the oven to bake.

As the stuffed celery cooked, I could hardly wait to taste them. When they finally emerged from the oven, golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness, I took my first bite and was instantly hooked. The combination of the crisp celery and the creamy filling was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I made it my mission to learn how to make stuffed celery just like my grandmother. I begged her to teach me the recipe, and she gladly obliged. Together, we spent hours in the kitchen, me taking notes on every step and ingredient, while she patiently guided me through the process.

I learned that the key to making the perfect stuffed celery lies in the quality of the ingredients. The cream cheese must be soft and creamy, the cheddar cheese sharp and tangy, and the garlic fresh and fragrant. I also discovered that a sprinkle of paprika adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

But more than just the ingredients, I learned that cooking is a labor of love. It's about taking the time to prepare a meal with care and attention to detail, knowing that the end result will bring joy and satisfaction to those who enjoy it.

Over the years, I have perfected my grandmother's recipe for stuffed celery, adding my own twist here and there to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about how delicious it is. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that first moment of discovery in my grandmother's kitchen, when I found a passion for cooking that would stay with me for a lifetime.

So now, whenever I make stuffed celery, I think of my grandmother and the legacy of love and cooking that she passed down to me. And I know that with every bite, I am honoring her memory and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those I care about.