The light celery pesto is an easy-to-make vegetable flavor enhancer perfect to keep always ready in the freezer.
Celery is one of the most versatile vegetables in our kitchen.
Crunchy and water-rich, it has diuretic and purifying properties; low in calories, it is perfect for light diets.
The celery pesto is a perfect anti-waste recipe to enhance leaves and stalks.
The freshest and tenderest leaves and the part of the stalks at the base of the leaves blend easily without requiring a blender with particularly robust blades.
You can prepare it in two versions:
– celery pesto without peanuts;
– celery pesto with peanuts.
It is a vegan pesto, without garlic and cheese, thus a digestible and light base that allows cooking and flavoring while limiting the use of oil during cooking.
Light, fresh, and fragrant.
The result naturally depends on the type and freshness of the celery.
For a light celery pesto, choose white celery or wider and less stringy tender celery, very light in color and more delicate compared to green celery.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
The celery: oil ratio is 3:2.
Select the freshest and tenderest leaves and only a small portion of the stalks at the base of the leaves.
- 5.3 oz celery (leaves already cleaned)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
- 2 tbsp salted peanuts (optional)
- 0.42 cup extra virgin olive oil (raw)
Consider 1 tsp of oil per serving for 20 single servings or 10 double servings.
Suggested Tools
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Chopper or Mixer
- Ice Tray
Preparation
Clean and thoroughly wash the celery.
Select the freshest and tenderest leaves and only a small portion of the stalks at the base of the leaves.Pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess water.
Prepare a couple of tablespoons of salted peanuts.
You can prepare the pesto without peanuts and/or replace peanuts with other nuts.Pour into the mixer:
– 5.3 oz of celery: fresh and tender leaves and a small portion of the stalks at the base of the leaves;
– a pinch of salt if not adding salted peanuts;
– a pinch of pepper;
– 0.42 cup of oil;
and blend.In the preparation of the pesto, the mixer should be activated in bursts and not continuously, also avoiding overheating of the blades.
The celery: oil ratio is 3:2.
With this proportion I achieved a balanced consistency, neither too thick nor too liquid.Add:
– 2 tbsp of salted peanuts [optional];
and blend again.
Your light celery pesto is ready.
The consistency of the light celery pesto can vary depending on the amount of stalks used and their water content.
The light celery pesto is excellent as a condiment and as an ingredient in the preparation of appetizers, main courses, and side dishes, in salads, and to add to legumes, minestrone, and soups.
Storage, Tips, and Variations
Add a few drops of lemon juice or as needed grated lemon zest for an even fresher variant.
Store the light celery pesto in the freezer immediately after preparation:
– in ice cube trays to flavor or use as single servings.
Transfer them to a food storage bag after freezing.
FAQ
Why avoid garlic and cheese?
For a more digestible and lighter variant, suitable for flavoring any kind of preparation.
Can I replace the peanuts?
Yes, you can easily replace the peanuts based on your dietary needs or taste preferences.
Here are some alternatives:
– cashews;
– almonds;
– walnuts;
– pine nuts;
– seeds – sunflower, sesame, or lightly toasted pumpkin seeds.Can I make pesto without nuts?
Yes, it will be even more delicate and light but still aromatic thanks to the celery.
When to prepare celery pesto?
Seasonality
You can find it all year round, but from September to February, celery is more tender and fragrant.
Practical needs in the kitchen
Prepare celery pesto when you have plenty of fresh celery or celery to use before it wilts.
