How to Boil Celery

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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.