Pickled Celery Recipe: A Crisp, tangy, and Flavorful Side Dish
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsEnjoying Your Pickled CeleryIngredients- 2 bunches of fresh celery, washed and trimmed- 1 cup of white vinegar- 1 cu……
Guide or Summary:
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of fresh celery, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Celery**: Wash the celery thoroughly and trim off the leaves and the tough ends. Slice the celery into thin, uniform sticks. If the celery is very crunchy, consider blanching it for 2-3 minutes before slicing to make them tender.
2. **Prepare the Brine**: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaf, whole cloves, coriander seeds, sliced garlic, and sliced onion. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. **Simmer the Brine**: Reduce the heat to low and let the brine simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the bay leaf, whole cloves, and coriander seeds before the brine cools.
4. **Store the Celery**: While the brine is simmering, pack the celery sticks into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Pour the cooled brine over the celery, ensuring that all the celery is submerged.
5. **Seal and Store**: Wipe the edges of the jars with a clean cloth, then seal them with sterilized lids and rings. Place the jars in a shallow pan and fill the pan with hot water until the jars are submerged. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars process for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool to room temperature.
6. **Refrigerate**: Once the jars are cool, transfer them to the refrigerator and let the pickled celery rest for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer you let it sit, the more flavorful it will become.
Enjoying Your Pickled Celery
Pickled celery is a delightful and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed on its own or added to sandwiches, salads, and soups. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals. Plus, it's an excellent way to use up celery that might otherwise go to waste.
Garnish your pickled celery with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and freshness. Serve it chilled, and watch as your guests marvel at the vibrant green color and the delightful crunch of each bite.
Pickled celery not only enhances the flavors of your meals but also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dining table. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a delicious and impressive pickled celery recipe that everyone will love. Enjoy!