Celery dish with olives

Celery with olives – a simple, healthy, and flavorful recipe, perfect for a savory lunch or a light dinner. This vegetable recipe is ideal not only for those who love vegetarian food but also for those looking to try something different and delicious. The total preparation time is about 50 minutes, and the recipe yields 4 satisfying servings.

Ingredients:
- 5 medium-sized celery stalks (about the size of a fist)
- 5 medium onions
- 1 lemon
- 150 g broth (preferably homemade for a more authentic taste)
- 200-250 g olives (preferably pitted for convenience)
- Olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste
- Water

Preparation:
1. Start by peeling the celery. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin, being careful to eliminate any tough or damaged areas. Once peeled, slice the celery into thin pieces, about 1 cm thick. These slices will be the base of your dish, providing a crunchy texture and a delicate flavor.

2. In a large skillet or deep pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the celery slices and sauté them gently for 5-7 minutes. This step will help the celery release its flavors and become softer.

3. Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onions. Add the onions to the skillet over the celery and mix well. Allow the mixture to sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onions become translucent but not too soft. This will add a sweet note to the dish.

4. Once the onions are ready, add enough water to cover the vegetables (about 300 ml). Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. It is important not to leave the pot uncovered at this stage to allow the steam to help cook the vegetables evenly.

5. After the celery and onions have boiled, uncover the pot and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to reduce the liquid and form a delicate sauce. At this point, add the broth, thin slices of lemon (including the peel), and olives. Here you can choose to use green or black olives, depending on your preferences.

6. Adjust the salt to taste and let everything simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until all the flavors meld perfectly. It’s time to enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen!

7. Before serving, you can garnish the plate with a few slices of lemon or whole olives for an attractive presentation. This celery with olives dish is served warm, accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or alongside a green salad for a light and healthy lunch.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicy version, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper when sautéing the onions.
- You can experiment by adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- This recipe can also be made with other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to diversify the taste.

Enjoy this celery with olives dish and savor every bite! Bon appétit!