🫒 Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Celery Sauté (Light & Flavorful)
🌿 Description
This simple Mediterranean celery dish transforms humble celery into a bright, savory side. Lightly sautéed with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs, it’s tender yet crisp, refreshing, and perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken, or rice. It’s a classic meze-style dish—clean flavors, healthy fats, and naturally low-calorie.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
-
1 large bunch celery, cleaned & cut into 2-inch pieces
-
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
-
¼ tsp black pepper
-
½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
-
Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes
-
Optional garnish: feta crumbles or toasted almonds
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Prep the celery
Wash thoroughly, trim the base, and cut into even pieces. -
Sauté aromatics
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. -
Add garlic
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds (don’t let it brown). -
Cook celery
Add celery, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili flakes. Toss well. -
Simmer gently
Add ¼ cup water, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until celery is tender but still slightly crisp. -
Finish with lemon
Remove lid, add lemon juice, and cook 1 more minute. -
Serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional feta or nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🥗 Serving Ideas
-
With grilled fish or chicken
-
Alongside rice, bulgur, or couscous
-
As a mezze plate with hummus & olives
-
Spoon over toasted sourdough or flatbread
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It tastes even better after resting. Store refrigerated up to 3 days.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely—add chickpeas, white beans, or serve with grilled halloumi.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, 100% vegan (skip feta).
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add more chili flakes or a splash of chili oil at the end.
Q: Why celery in Mediterranean cooking?
A: Celery is widely used in Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines for its freshness, digestion benefits, and low-calorie crunch.
