Sweet and Sour Celery
Region: Italy
Category: Vegetables
Season: Any
Difficulty: Easy and Quick

This celery preparation is a sweet and sour dish best served at room temperature or warm, but not hot.  It takes only about 15 minutes to make, including preparation, so if you can wait for it to cool I think it will be worth it.  It can also be made ahead of time and reheated slightly.  Typically, it would be served as an antipasto.

[photo: Clifford A. Wright]

Yield: Makes 4 antipasto servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup balsamic wine vinegar

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

4 cups diagonally sliced celery

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves

1. Dissolve the sugar in the wine vinegar.

2. In a deep, flameproof casserole, heat the olive oil over high heat, then add the celery and garlic and cook until crispy but softer, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn, about 7 minutes.  If you cook a half portion or less, don't add the garlic until the last minute.

3. Add the vinegar and sugar mixture and stir constantly while you continue to cook it over high heat for about 1 minute or less.  Take off the heat immediately, stir in the mint, and transfer to a serving platter.  Garnish with chopped mint leaves and serve warm or at room temperature.

Variation: 

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Posted: 01/03/2007