Looking for a delightful side dish that will elevate your dinner table and impress your guests? Look no further than this Creamed Celery with Pecans! This creamy, rich dish combines the crisp freshness of celery with the indulgent flavors of heavy cream and toasted pecans, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a comforting yet sophisticated dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to discover the secret to a vegetable dish that is anything but ordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch celery, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the celery thoroughly under cold running water, trimming off the base and any wilted leaves. Chop the celery into uniform bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 inch thick, ensuring consistent cooking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to become slightly foamy but not browned. Add the chopped celery to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly with the melted butter.
- Sauté the celery for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces begin to soften slightly but still maintain a slight crunch. Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent burning.
- Pour the heavy cream over the sautéed celery, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Simmer the celery in the cream for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens and the celery becomes tender but not mushy. The sauce should coat the celery pieces smoothly.
- While the celery is cooking, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor.
- Once the creamed celery is done, remove from heat and sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top, gently folding them into the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the creamed celery to a serving dish, ensuring an even distribution of pecans. Serve immediately while hot, as the cream sauce is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Celery: For the best flavor and texture, select a bunch of celery that is firm and crisp, with vibrant green leaves. Fresh celery will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Uniform Chopping: When chopping the celery, aim for uniform pieces about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and allows each bite to have the perfect texture.
- Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium when sautéing the celery to avoid burning the butter. If you notice the butter browning too quickly, lower the heat to medium-low.
- Perfect Creaminess: Allow the cream to simmer gently with the celery for 10-12 minutes. This will thicken the sauce while keeping the celery tender yet crisp.
- Toast the Pecans: Don’t skip toasting the pecans! This step enhances their flavor significantly. Keep a close eye on them as they toast, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Serve Fresh: Creamed Celery with Pecans is best served immediately while hot. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the components separate and combine just before serving to maintain the creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 40mg
