Spicy Stir Fried Celery

I don’t know if you are like me, but it often bothers me when I go to the store and buy a bunch of celery, let’s say for just using it in chili, and granted it is a bit pricey (as far as I am concerned), and then you are left with a bunch of leftover celery. The celery is placed in my bottom refrigerator door, and if not opened in time, well it gets forgotten and then tossed. Never a good thing. So recently I decided to combat that waste and do something different with the celery, and turn it into a spicy stir fried celery.

I wanted to have the celery shine and as I was thinking about what I could do with the ribs of celery, I looked over to my lazy susan filled with condiments, and immediately looked at the Chinese fried red chili oil I had made in the summer.

Let’s get started.

• 4 ribs of celery, but into large match sticks
• 3 tbsp Chinese chili oil
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts, optional
• 1/4 tsp salt, to taste

Start by heating a large skillet, on medium-high heat, for about one minute.

Add the chili oil, and toss in the celery. Cook for about 3 minutes, tossing and stirring along the way. Remove and pour onto a plate. Season with salt, and shower with the crushed peanuts.

Dig in.

The result is really, really good. If you have not made the chili oil yet, please do it. IT’S AWESOME. The great thing about this recipe is that it goes really quick, and it is a great use of celery. The subtle spiciness, along with the peanuts, really make this a great side dish, or snack for that matter. Hope you enjoy.