Braised Celery with Bread Crumbs

braised-celery-01

Celery is a criminally underrated vegetable. Braised celery is easy to make and joyful to eat. Especially during the winter when the celery is nice and crisp and juicy

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

1 Head of Celery

1 Shallot, finely chopped

¼ Bch Thyme

¼ Cup Dry White Wine

1 Cup Chicken Stock

1/6 Cup Grated Gruyere

1/6 Cup Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

¾ Cup Of Fresh Crusty Breadcrumbs

Method

  • Pre-heat oven to 165C.
  • Grease a 20 X 30cm baking dish with 1 tbsp of butter.
  • Cut the tops and base off the celery, leaving the stalks.
  • Remove all the fibrous strings. Cut into 10cm lengths and arrange with a slight overlap in a baking dish.
  • Heat remaining butter in a pan.
  • Finely chop the celery heart and tops, add to the pan with thyme, shallots and Seasoning.
  • Pour in wine and simmer till almost dry.  Add stock and reduce by half.
  • Pour into baking dish, cover with foil and braise for about 1 and 1/4hrs or until the celery has collapsed and feels tender.
  • Remove from oven.  Increase oven temperature to 200C.
  • Sprinkle cheese and breadcrumbs over the celery and return to oven uncovered.
  • Bake for about 10mins until the top is golden brown and crusty.