15 minutes
Indulge in the crunch and zest of sauteed celery paired with fragrant garlic, the gentle kick of chili, and the nutty crunch of toasted peanuts. This recipe is a vivid mélange of flavors designed to elevate the humble celery to a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
1. Prep
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Wash and trim the celery, then cut it into pieces on a bias, about 1/2 inch thick. Thinly slice the garlic and chili, being careful to keep the chili slices consistent for even cooking. Toast the peanuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown, then roughly chop them. Set aside.
2. Saute
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced celery with a pinch of salt. Saute for about 2-3 minutes or until the celery is tender but still retains some bite. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The celery should take on a bright green hue and start to soften slightly.
3. Add Aromatics
Add the sliced garlic and chili to the pan with the celery. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the aromatics are fragrant and the garlic is just turning pale golden. Remember, garlic can become bitter if overcooked, so keep a close eye on its color change.
4. Finishing Ingredients
Sprinkle in the toasted, chopped peanuts and give everything a good toss to combine. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
Opt for fresh, crisp celery with bright green leaves. The stalks should be firm and snap easily when bent.
Sauté just until it is slightly softened but still has a bite. Overcooking will result in a mushy texture.
Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Mince the garlic finely, slice the chili, and measure out your peanuts and any additional seasoning.
Use a wide skillet or wok for even sautéing. A crowded pan could result in steaming rather than sautéing.
Toasting enhances their flavor. Do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent burning. Set aside once golden and fragrant.
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