Using Celery For Flavor And Texture

Celery is one of the most inexpensive foods to use for adding both flavor and texture to an incredible number of dishes. Celery is also extremely low in calories containing only about 10 per stalk making it a great food to incorporate into your diet. In addition, along with carrots and onions, celery is a primary ingredient used as a base for creating a large number of foods including sauces, soup, stock, and stews.

When it comes to buying celery, look for stalks that are unblemished and firm featuring bright green, unwilted leaves. Although celery is available all year round, it does have a specific season and tends to taste best during the fall and winter in warm climates.

You should store celery in the refrigerator loosely wrapped in plastic. An unsealed plastic bag is ideal for storing celery for up to two weeks or so. Rinse celery thoroughly before using to remove any dirt and debris that tends to accumulate near the bottom of the stalks.

Besides adding flavor and a distinctive crunchy texture to salads, celery is also great for making a selection of delicious soups. To make a simple but rich and creamy soup, mince celery and add to boil water and chicken stock simmering until tender. Then add in milk, cream, butter, and sliced and sauteed onions and cook until the mixture thickens Puree the mixture in blender or food processor and season with salt and pepper to taste.

To add even more flavor to your celery soup, add in ingredients such as cooked and chopped bacon, rice, and a variety of cheeses.

Hungarian Chicken and Apple Soup Recipe

What You Need

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 medium sized tart apples, peeled, finely chopped
• 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, diced
• 3/4 cup yellow onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped, leaves chopped and reserved
• Fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• Pinch Hungarian paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 6 tablespoons sour cream

How to Make It

In a large saucepan or pot with a lid, heat the canola oil over medium heat then add the chopped apples, diced potatoes, and the chopped onions and celery. Stir the mixture often while cooking for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.

Add in ground black pepper to taste followed by the sage and the Hungarian paprika. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 30 seconds to allow the seasonings to become more fragrant.

Add in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan or pot, and gently simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes or until all of the potatoes are tender.

Using a food processor or large blender, puree the mixture in batches along with the sour cream until smooth.

Transfer the soup back to the pot and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes or until well heated through.

Garnish the Hungarian chicken and apple soup with the reserved, chopped celery leaves and serve while hot.

Serves 4.

Make your favorite French onion soup recipe and serve it along with a topping of croutons and a generous helping of Swiss cheese on top. With a base of beef stock and rich tasting, slow cooked onions, French onion soup can be the perfect meal to enjoy as it is not only satisfying by simply delicious.

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