If you're not a fan of these crunchy green stems, then eating them can feel like a bit of a chore — but help is at hand! Celery's versatility makes it a wonderful addition to many dishes. Here’s a selection of tips for some of the best ways to prepare celery.
How to cook celery to make it a family favourite
Many of us think of celery as a salad vegetable, and it certainly works well in a bowl of greens. Its crunchy texture contrasts wonderfully with softer veggies, and it’s a great snack served with dips like this celery and hummus dip. But there are plenty of other ways to cook with it.
How to make celery soup
Celery soup isn't merely a detox meal — it can be surprisingly delicious. You can include potatoes in the mixture to achieve a thicker, soupier texture. Here's what you need to do:
- Sauté chopped celery and potatoes in oil for a couple of minutes.
- Add some crushed garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Add vegetable or chicken stock to the pan and bring to a boil.
- Lower to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Blend the mixture. The easiest way to do this is by using a stick blender.
- Season to taste and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
For even more ideas, explore HelloFresh’s collection of celery recipes.
How to make celery juice
Celery juice is refreshing and easy to make. You'll get the best results if you have a juicing machine, but a powerful blender can also work.
To make celery juice, combine a full head of celery with a green apple and the juice of half a lemon. For added zing, try a touch of ginger or finely chopped chilli. This is a great addition to your vegetarian meal plan.
How to cook celery sticks
Raw celery sticks are popular in salads, but they’re also delicious when cooked. Braise celery in butter and stock, adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh flavour. This pairs wonderfully with proteins like sweet soy-glazed chicken and celery slaw.
Cooking celery tips
Celery is often used as one of the first ingredients in a sauce, together with onion and carrot. This mixture, called soffritto in Italian, is a great way to begin a bolognese or hearty soup.
Before cooking, dice your veg very small to release the flavours. You could even dice celery, carrots and onions in bulk, then freeze the mixture in bags. That way, you'll always have the makings of a great dish on hand, even when you're low on time.
Always make sure to wash celery well before using it. Specks of soil can often make their way onto the inner stalks. Trim the tops and bottoms of each stalk. The slender inner stalks don't tend to have much texture or flavour, but remember not to throw them away — you can add them to a pot when making stock.
Popular celery recipes
For a flavourful twist, try pairing celery with apple in a crunchy Waldorf salad or incorporating it into dishes like Tex-Mex crumbed chicken and celery slaw. Celery is also a great addition to Asian stir-fries, offering a crisp texture when lightly cooked. And, of course, raw celery sticks with dips remain a timeless favourite, perfect for kids and adults alike.
How to cook celery FAQs
How long does celery take to cook?
If you're stir-frying celery, it only takes a couple of minutes, as you want to retain its crunch. For a braised dish, it will take about 15 minutes to soften nicely.
How long should you cook celery in the oven?
Roasted celery can take up to 30 minutes to cook. It's an interesting, unusual addition to a roast dinner and goes well with mustard.
Is it better to steam or boil celery?
You can steam or boil celery as you wish. Either way, it'll take between 5 and 7 minutes. You can even steam it in the microwave for a quick and easy process that doesn't require much washing up.