Imagine a dish that transforms humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with Mediterranean delight! This extraordinary Tomato Braised Celery Fennel and Leek recipe is not just a side dish—it's a flavor revolution that will elevate your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. With its rich, aromatic tomato sauce and perfectly tender vegetables, this Italian-inspired creation promises to be the star of your dinner table, delivering a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your guests craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 fennel bulb, sliced
- 1 leek, sliced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by thoroughly washing and chopping: slice the fennel bulb and leek thinly, chop the celery into uniform pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, ensuring the pan is wide enough to accommodate all vegetables.
- Add minced garlic to the heated oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn the garlic.
- Add sliced leeks to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Introduce chopped celery and sliced fennel to the pan, stirring to combine with the leeks and garlic. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Pour diced tomatoes over the vegetables, stirring to distribute evenly. Reduce heat to low-medium.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, gently mixing to incorporate the seasonings.
- Cover the pan and let the vegetables braise for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check vegetables for desired tenderness. The final dish should have a rich, slightly thickened tomato sauce coating the vegetables.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Can be served hot as a side dish or light vegetarian main course.
Tips
- • Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning • Slice vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking • Don't rush the braising process—low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich flavors • Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a significant difference in the final taste • For added depth, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine before adding tomatoes • If you prefer a more intense tomato flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for an extra flavor boost
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 88kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
