Celery with mayonnaise

Captivating Celery Recipe with Mayonnaise

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Are you looking for a simple, quick, and delicious appetizer? I invite you to discover this classic celery recipe with mayonnaise. A perfect combination of textures and flavors, this dish is ideal for festive meals as well as a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

- 1 large celery
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Mayonnaise (homemade):
- 2 egg yolks
- 300 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil or extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon classic mustard
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Salt and white pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the celery: Start by peeling the celery. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, being careful not to lose too much of the tasty pulp. After peeling, wash the celery well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Grating: Use a grater with small holes to grate the celery. This will give it a finer texture that will blend perfectly with the mayonnaise. Make sure the grater is clean and sharp to achieve uniform strips.

3. Extracting the juice: After grating the celery, place it in a clean cloth or sieve and gently press to drain excess juice. This step is essential, as excess liquid can make the mayonnaise watery and the final dish less appetizing.

4. Making the mayonnaise: Now let's prepare the mayonnaise. In a bowl, add the two egg yolks, mustard, and a drop of lemon juice. Use a whisk or an immersion blender to mix well. Gradually add the oil, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously mixing. As you add the oil, the mayonnaise will begin to thicken. Keep mixing until all ingredients are well integrated and you achieve a creamy consistency.

5. Seasoning: Once the mayonnaise is ready, add the lemon juice, salt, white pepper, and mix again. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

6. Final combination: In a large bowl, mix the grated celery with the prepared mayonnaise. Make sure each strip of celery is well coated with the creamy sauce.

7. Serving: Once well mixed, you can serve the dish immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld. This appetizer pairs wonderfully with toasted bread or as a side dish to meats.

Practical tips:

- If you want a touch of originality, you can add some chopped nuts or raisins, which will bring a crunchy texture and sweet contrast.
- For a healthier mayonnaise, you can replace part of the oil with Greek yogurt, creating a lighter yet equally tasty dish.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better emulsification of the mayonnaise.

This simple and quick celery with mayonnaise recipe is an excellent choice for any occasion. Enjoy it with friends or family and savor a fresh and refreshing taste!