Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe to add a burst of flavor and crunch to your meals? Look no further! This recipe for pickled celery is incredibly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Perfect as a healthy snack, a unique addition to salads, or a vibrant side dish, pickled celery offers a delightful tangy kick that will elevate any culinary creation. Let's dive into this fantastic recipe for homemade pickled celery – a delicious and refreshing addition to your pantry staples.
Ingredients:
- 2 large stalks celery, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Celery
Wash the celery stalks thoroughly and trim off the leaves and any stringy parts. Slice the celery thinly, aiming for uniform pieces for even pickling. The thinner the slices, the faster they will pickle.
Step 2: Make the Brine
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, red pepper flakes (if using), and smashed garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 3: Pickle the Celery
Once the brine is simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This prevents the celery from becoming overly soft. Pack the sliced celery into a clean glass jar. Pour the cooled brine over the celery, ensuring all pieces are submerged. If necessary, add a little more water to cover the celery completely.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Enjoy
Seal the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the celery sits in the brine, the more flavorful it will become. You can enjoy the pickled celery for up to 2 weeks stored in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Pickled Celery:
- Use high-quality vinegar: A good quality white vinegar will enhance the overall flavor of your pickled celery.
- Don't overcook the brine: Boiling the brine for too long can make it overly strong and bitter.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices to your brine, such as mustard seeds, dill seeds, or bay leaves, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness: If you prefer a sweeter pickle, add a little more sugar. If you like more heat, add more red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Spicy Pickled Celery: Add a sliced jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the brine for an extra kick.
- Herb-Infused Pickled Celery: Add fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to the brine for an aromatic twist.
- Garlic Lover's Pickled Celery: Add more garlic cloves to the brine for a stronger garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of pickled celery. Nutritional information will vary depending on the serving size and specific ingredients used, but generally, pickled celery is a low-calorie, low-fat snack, offering a good source of fiber and vitamins. It's always best to calculate nutritional information using a nutritional calculator specific to your ingredients and portion size.
This easy recipe for pickled celery is a great way to add a healthy and delicious crunch to your meals. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover celery and a perfect addition to your homemade condiment collection. Enjoy!