tagAlt.Riviera style stuffed celery

Prato-Style Celery with Savory Filling

A uniquely Tuscan antipasto: Prato’s stuffed celery celebrates spring with rich, savory flavors and timeless tradition.
Add to favourites

    • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Lauren F. Kitchens:

"Stuffed Celery? Weird!", is what I thought when I first saw this recipe pop up! And wow, am I happy I tried it!! I definitely have a new found love f...

read all reviews...

tagAlt.Riviera style stuffed celery

While celery is often relegated to a supporting role in Italian kitchens—acting as the backbone of the classic soffritto—it has a proud tradition as a star ingredient, particularly in the vibrant culinary history of Tuscany. In this unique recipe from the city of Prato, celery is transformed from a humble vegetable into a gourmet antipasto, featuring a luscious stuffing that brings together the robust flavors of Italy.

After a quick blanching, celery stalks adopt a subtle sweetness and tender texture, making them the perfect vessel for a decadent filling. The combination of mortadella, Parmesan cheese, and seasoned ground meat offers a burst of umami and savory notes—a far cry from the simple snacks of childhood.

This dish is a revelation for anyone who appreciates the layered flavors of Italian antipasti. Its roots in Prato, not far from Florence, underscore a local tradition of elevating vegetables into sophisticated cuisine. Ideal for spring meals, these stuffed celery stalks bring color, flavor, and heritage to your table.

If you’re exploring more innovative ways to use vegetables in Italian cooking, be sure to check out seasonal recipes and tips. Embrace the spirit of regional Italian cuisine and savor the flavors that make Tuscan gastronomy so beloved.

Ingredients

for 4 servings

Prato-style Stuffed Celery Ingredients

  • Celery (Stalk) 10
  • Ground Beef 300 grams
  • Boiled Ham 80 grams
  • Egg 2
  • Parmesan cheese (Grated)
  • Garlic Cloves 2
  • Parsley (Stem) as needed
  • Onion 1
  • Tomato concentrate 600 grams
  • Extra-virgin olive oil 8 table-spoon
  • Salt and Pepper as needed
  • All-purpose flour as needed

Try it with...

or show me more...

Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 4

Blanch the Celery Stalks

Begin by trimming your celery stalks to approximately 25 cm in length, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and submerge the celery stalks. Allow them to simmer for about 15 minutes, until they are tender but still hold their shape.
Drain the celery and let it cool slightly. Once manageable, slice each stalk lengthwise to create two symmetrical halves, ready for stuffing.

Step

2

Of 4

Mix and Assemble the Filling

In a bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, finely chopped prosciutto or mortadella, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Take one half of each celery stalk and generously fill it with the prepared mixture. Place the remaining half on top to form a stuffed 'sandwich.'
Secure each filled celery stalk with kitchen twine to hold the filling in place during cooking.

Step

3

Of 4

Sear to Perfection

Roll each tied celery bundle in all-purpose flour, ensuring a thin, even coating.
In a skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the celery bundles, turning as needed, until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides.
Remove the seared celery and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels, preserving their crispy exterior.

Step

4

Of 4

Simmer in Tomato Sauce and Serve

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add a classic soffritto of finely diced carrots and onions, sautéing until the vegetables are fragrant and softened.
Pour in tomato purée and adjust with salt according to preference. Once the sauce is gently simmering, nestle the fried stuffed celery into the pan.
Cover and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the celery to become meltingly tender. Serve the dish warm, garnished with freshly chopped herbs if desired, and enjoy a true taste of Tuscan culinary tradition.

Try it with...

or show me more...

Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

You may like

tagAlt.Mandarin Orange Parfait

Mandarin Orange Dream Parfait

120 minutes 6 ingredients 450 kCal

(1) Intermediate
tagAlt.Potato Gnocchi with Vegetarian Ragù

Handmade Potato Gnocchi with Hearty Vegetarian Ragù

60 minutes 10 ingredients 283 kCal

(1) Beginner
tagAlt.Spinach Tortino recipe

Spinach Flan Delight

35 minutes 6 ingredients 180 kCal

(1) Beginner

Reviews

L

Lauren F. Kitchens Tuesday 30th of March 2021

Stuffed Celery

"Stuffed Celery? Weird!", is what I thought when I first saw this recipe pop up! And wow, am I happy I tried it!! I definitely have a new found love for celery in all forms!

all.sign in to leave a review
About us

A tight-knit team with a dream: to create a virtual meeting place between chefs, journalists and producers with Italian food and wine lovers around the world. Mamablip is a technological neighborhood cafe where a simple and intuitive language is spoken. It allows anyone to get in touch with the places of production and their interpreters and live real experiences made of scents, flavors and desire to learn. Mamablip brings producers, produce, chefs and experts directly to your home, offering authentic content that enhances sustainability and respect for the planet.