Prepare to transform the humble celery from a mundane vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will have your family and guests asking for seconds! This Easy Creamy Celery Almondine is a culinary revelation that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With just a few minutes of preparation and minimal cooking time, you'll elevate a basic vegetable into a creamy, crunchy, and utterly irresistible accompaniment that will steal the spotlight from any main course.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and trim the celery stalks, then slice them diagonally into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become slightly foamy but not browned.
- Add the sliced celery to the skillet, spreading it evenly across the pan to ensure all pieces make contact with the heated surface.
- Sauté the celery for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces become slightly tender but still retain a slight crispness.
- Pour the cream into the skillet, stirring gently to coat the celery pieces evenly with the cream.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly and become absorbed by the celery.
- Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- In a separate small pan, lightly toast the sliced almonds over medium-low heat until they become golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the creamy celery just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while the dish is still warm and the cream is creamy.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Celery: Select crisp, bright green celery stalks with no wilting or browning for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice Uniformly: Cut celery diagonally in thin, even pieces to ensure consistent cooking and an elegant presentation.
- Watch Your Butter: Melt butter over medium heat until just foamy, being careful not to brown it, which can create a bitter taste.
- Don't Overcook: Maintain a slight crispness in the celery by sautéing for just 5-7 minutes to preserve its fresh flavor and nutrients.
- Toast Almonds Carefully: Use low-medium heat and stir constantly when toasting almonds to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden color.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in small increments, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed warm, right after cooking, to maintain the cream's silky texture and the almonds' crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
