Celery Overview
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a crunchy, low-calorie vegetable known for its refreshing flavor and nutritional benefits. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is commonly used in salads, soups, and as a snack. Celery is often recognized by its long stalks and bright green leaves, which add a delightful crunch to various dishes.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Nutrients: Celery is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, and various B vitamins, as well as minerals like potassium and folate.
- Hydration: Composed of about 95% water, celery helps keep you hydrated.
- Antioxidant Properties: Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Digestive Health: High in fiber, celery supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Heart Health: Celery may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, celery is a great snack for weight loss.
How to Eat Celery
Celery can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Raw: Snack on fresh celery sticks with hummus, peanut butter, or dips.
- Salads: Chop and add to salads for a crunchy texture.
- Soups and Stews: Use as a base ingredient in soups and stews.
- Juicing: Blend celery with other vegetables and fruits for a refreshing juice.
- Stir-fried: Add to stir-fries for added flavor and crunch.
Nutritional Value (per 100g of Celery)
- Calories: 16
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Vitamin A: 449 IU
- Vitamin C: 3.1 mg
- Vitamin K: 29.3 mcg
- Potassium: 260 mg
Taste Profile
Celery has a unique taste that is:
- Crunchy: Provides a satisfying crunch when bitten into.
- Mildly Salty: Naturally salty flavor, enhancing other ingredients in a dish.
- Herbaceous: Slightly earthy, with a fresh and green aroma.
Recipes
Indian Recipes
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Celery and Potato Curry
Ingredients:
- Celery: 200 g, chopped
- Potatoes: 2 medium, diced
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Tomato: 1 medium, chopped
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Coriander: for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.
- Add chopped celery and potatoes, mix well, and cover.
- Cook until potatoes are tender; garnish with coriander before serving.
-
Celery Salad with Peanuts
Ingredients:
- Celery: 200 g, chopped
- Roasted Peanuts: ½ cup
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Green Chili: 1, chopped
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine chopped celery, peanuts, onion, and green chili.
- Add lemon juice and salt; toss well to mix.
- Serve as a refreshing salad.
-
Celery and Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
- Celery: 250 g, chopped
- Tomato: 3 large, chopped
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Vegetable Stock: 4 cups
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Basil: for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot; add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add celery and tomatoes; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend until smooth and serve hot, garnished with basil.
-
Celery Paratha
Ingredients:
- Whole Wheat Flour: 2 cups
- Celery: 100 g, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Green Chili: 1, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Ghee/Oil: for cooking
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, celery, onion, green chili, ginger, and salt.
- Add water gradually and knead into a dough.
- Divide the dough into balls; roll each ball into a flat circle.
- Cook on a hot tava, applying ghee/oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with yogurt or pickle.
-
Celery and Lentil Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- Celery: 200 g, sliced
- Cooked Lentils: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Mustard Seeds: ½ teaspoon
- Curry Leaves: 6-8
- Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan; add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add onions and curry leaves; sauté until onions are golden.
- Add celery, turmeric, and salt; cook until celery is tender.
- Stir in cooked lentils; mix well and serve hot.
Non-Indian Recipes
-
Celery and Apple Salad
Ingredients:
- Celery: 200 g, chopped
- Apple: 1, diced
- Walnuts: ¼ cup, chopped
- Greek Yogurt: ½ cup
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine celery, apple, and walnuts.
- In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.
-
Celery Juice
Ingredients:
- Celery: 300 g, chopped
- Cucumber: 1, chopped
- Lemon: ½, juiced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece
- Water: 1 cup
Instructions:
- Blend celery, cucumber, lemon juice, ginger, and water until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve and serve chilled.
-
Celery and Hummus
Ingredients:
- Celery: 200 g, cut into sticks
- Hummus: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive Oil: for drizzling
- Paprika: for garnish
Instructions:
- Arrange celery sticks on a platter.
- Serve with hummus in the center, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika.
-
Celery Stir-Fry with Tofu
Ingredients:
- Celery: 200 g, sliced
- Firm Tofu: 200 g, cubed
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame Seeds: for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan; add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cubed tofu; cook until golden brown.
- Stir in celery and soy sauce; cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
-
Celery and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- Celery: 100 g, chopped
- Bell Peppers: 4, halved and seeded
- Cream Cheese: ½ cup
- Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup, shredded
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix celery, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the mixture into the halved bell peppers.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender.
Celery is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!