Verona Celery in Mayonnaise Sauce

The “Verona Celery in Mayonnaise Sauce” is a typical appetizer that highlights the sweetness of local celery through the richness of mayonnaise. Here is how to prepare it.

Ingredients

• 1 Verona celery
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (or another mustard if you prefer)
• 250 ml of seed oil
• The juice of half a lemon
• Salt
• White vinegar (for the cooking water)
• White pepper (optional)

Preparation

1. First, clean the Verona celery well by removing the outer, tougher leaves and the strings. Cut it into pieces about 3-4 cm long.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a little vinegar, which helps to keep the celery white. Cook the celery in this boiling water for about 7-10 minutes or until it is tender but still crisp. Drain and cool immediately in iced water to set the color.
3. For the mayonnaise preparation, start with the egg yolks, place them in a bowl and add a pinch of salt and the mustard. Beat with a hand whisk or use an electric mixer.
4. Start adding the oil in a slow stream, very slowly, continuing to beat vigorously until the sauce begins to thicken. Continue adding the oil little by little until it’s gone. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a few drops of cold water.
5. Finally, adjust the flavor with lemon juice, taste and add more salt if necessary. Also add a pinch of white pepper if you like.
6. Assemble the dish by arranging the now cold celery on a serving plate and drizzle with the mayonnaise. You can decorate with some celery leaves set aside.

An interesting thing to know is that Verona celery is particularly appreciated in gastronomy for its delicate taste and crisp yet non-fibrous texture. Furthermore, it is rich in water and low in calories, which makes it an ideal ingredient for light and fresh recipes, although mayonnaise obviously adds a touch of richness to the dish.

For an Italian touch, you could also add to the mayonnaise some chopped herbs such as basil or parsley, which will pair well with the delicate flavor of the celery. And for a wine pairing, consider a fresh and slightly aromatic white wine like a Soave or a Custoza.