Boiled celery becomes tender and develops a mild flavor that blends seamlessly into most cooked dishes. Small, young stalks boil quickly, while larger, tougher stalks may require longer boiling to soften and become tender. A brief boiling softens celery only slightly and takes the edge off the crunch when you add it to a warm chicken salad. You can also boil it for longer for an even more tender treat to serve alone, with a sauce or mixed with other vegetables.
Step 1
Wash the celery in cool water. Cut off and discard the stem end and the leafy top.
Step 2
Cut the celery stalks uniformly to your desired size. Pull off any tough strings.
Step 3
Place the celery in a pot. Add enough water to cover the celery to a 2-inch depth.
Step 4
Bring the water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer small 1- to 2-inch-long pieces for 5 to 10 minutes, or larger stalks for up to 20 minutes.
Step 5
Drain the celery in a colander after it reaches the desired tenderness.