Braised Celery Hearts
A flavorful, tender braised celery hearts dish infused with aromatic spices and red pepper, perfect as a side for light, healthy meals or vegetarian options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Reduce heat after mixture comes to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and cloves.
- Drain the cooked celery hearts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of braised celery hearts, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving. If you don't have red pepper, yellow or orange bell peppers work well as substitutes. For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish can also be made vegan by ensuring that any stock used is plant-based.
Serving Suggestions
Braised celery hearts make a delightful side dish and pair beautifully with roasted meats or fish. For a complete meal, serve alongside a grain like quinoa or brown rice, and add a salad for freshness. This dish can also complement dishes like Dan'S Favorite French Apple Pie for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the celery hearts in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain the crisp-tender texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Celery Hearts contains roughly 248 calories, with 9g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (217% of the Daily Value), iron (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1827mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular celery instead of celery hearts?
Yes, you can use regular celery; however, the texture and flavor may differ slightly since celery hearts are more tender and have a milder taste. Just chop the celery into similar sizes for even cooking.
What can I do with leftover braised celery hearts?
Leftover braised celery hearts can be incorporated into soups, stir-fries, or mixed into salads for added flavor and nutrition. You can also blend them into a creamy soup base for a unique twist.
How do I know when the celery hearts are done cooking?
The celery hearts are done when they are crisp-tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes of simmering. You can test by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender but still have some crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).