Celery root cutlets: The tasty meatless meal you didn't expect
Many people find it hard to imagine a meal without traditional meat cutlets, but a plant-based alternative will delight even the biggest fans of pork chops. Celery root cutlets are a simple, inexpensive, and tasty way to enjoy a meatless meal that tastes amazing and pairs perfectly with potatoes and salad. Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside—this recipe proves that vegetables can taste just as good as meat.
Celery root is one of the most underrated vegetables, and that's a shame! It's aromatic, inexpensive, and available all year round. When breaded, it gains a unique crunch and flavor. Celery cutlets perfectly imitate classic pork chops while being lighter, lower in calories, and rich in fiber. This dish is perfect for a vegetarian diet or as a change in your daily menu. If you're looking for an idea for a tasty, vegetable-based meal, be sure to try this recipe.
Celery Root Cutlet Recipe
If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and affordable meal, celery root cutlets are a perfect choice. They taste great on their own or with classic sides like potatoes and salad. They're crispy, aromatic, and full of nutritional value, and they even impress meat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 large celery root
- 2 eggs
- 3.5 oz breadcrumbs
- 1.8 oz all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 3 tablespoons oil for frying
Preparation:
- Peel the celery root and slice it into pieces about 0.4 inches thick.
- Boil the slices in salted water for 5-7 minutes, then drain and cool. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic.
- Coat the slices first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs.
- Fry in heated oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on a paper towel and serve warm.
Why Try Celery Cutlets?
Celery cutlets are a great alternative to classic meat cutlets—they're light, full of flavor, and crispy, yet very affordable and simple to prepare. Once cooked, celery becomes tender and slightly sweet, and in the breadcrumb coating, it gains an intense, slightly nutty flavor. Spices can add a variety of aromas, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your own preferences.
Additionally, celery is rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals, aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It's a vegetable worth including in your diet, especially in winter when the selection of fresh produce is limited.
How to Serve Celery Cutlets for the Best Taste?
Although celery cutlets taste great on their own, you can enhance them with sides that add even more flavor and character. The classic choice is potatoes—mashed, baked, or sweet potato fries, which highlight the delicate sweetness of celery. Accompany them with a salad—a traditional sauerkraut, coleslaw, carrot and apple salad, or a salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes works well.
If you want to give the cutlets a more distinct flavor, serve them with a homemade sauce. A yogurt sauce with garlic and dill, mustard, or classic mushroom sauce pairs excellently with the crispy coating. For an even more pronounced effect, you can also sprinkle the cutlets with lemon juice or serve them on a warm bun as a vegetarian burger.
