Celery with cheese
6 servings
90 minutes
Celery with cheese is a simple yet exquisite dish that beautifully conveys the spirit of Russian cuisine. The tender hearts of celery, first carefully prepared and boiled, become soft while retaining their characteristic light freshness. They are then baked with Gruyère—a cheese with a rich nutty flavor that melts to form an appetizing golden crust. Butter adds tenderness and depth of flavor to the dish. This treat can serve as an elegant appetizer or a side dish for meat and fish dishes, and its rich aroma makes it a true delicacy. The recipe recalls classic European vegetable baking techniques but with a unique Russian flair.
1
Cut the celery stalks 15 cm from the heart. Remove the outer leaves. Rinse well. Boil a large pot of salted water, add the celery hearts, cover, and cook for 1 hour. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let excess water drain.
- Celery: 6 pieces
- Salt: to taste
2
Place the celery in a baking dish, brushing each stalk with butter, and sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake for 15 minutes at 180 degrees until the cheese is golden brown. Serve immediately in the same dish.
- Celery: 6 pieces
- Butter: 150 g
- Gruyere cheese: 100 g