Monday, December 15, 2008

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup and Other Celery Seed Recipes

By KC Kudra

Celery seed has been around for many years and different cultures use this delicious seasoning in a variety of ways. If you want to know how to use celery seed or you have bought some on a whim, you will be pleased to know that there are many uses for celery seed, such as homemade chicken noodle soup or even crockpot chicken noodle soup which will slowly cook while you are at work and be ready the minute you get home.

What is Celery Seed?

Celery seed is not found in the celery vegetable but in the plant apium graveolons. They look a lot like other small brown seeds but their smell is unique. They smell like celery and can be added to your recipes. They add flavor but not the crunchy celery texture.

What is celery seed good for?

Besides the fact that celery seed is used to flavor salad dressings, soups, and in pickling, you will find that celery seed has a long medicinal history as well. It has been used as a homeopathic remedy for gout, bronchitis, arthritis, and other inflammations.

There is a high concentration of phtalides in celery seeds, which means they have scientifically proven qualities as a muscle relaxant and sedative. Celery seeds also have an antioxidant effect, which helps the body to fight dangerous free radicals.

Celery Seed Salad Dressing Recipe

As well as being an excellent ingredient in homemade chicken noodle soup, celery seeds are found in many types of salad dressing. You can make your own by combining a teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of celery seed and a teaspoon of dry mustard. Next, add a teaspoon of onion juice and trickle in a cup of salad oil and a third of a cup of vinegar slowly. The resulting dressing is mild yet tangy and is very tasty on vegetable or fruit salads. You might prefer to add sugar and pepper, depending on your taste.

What Foods Complement Celery Seeds?

This is really a matter of personal choice; like any other good seasoning, celery seed should be added in when you think the recipe calls for it. Of course, to do this, you will need a little bit of experience with the herb itself. Try adding it to dishes that you would normally add celery to. Chicken potpie or chicken noodle soup do quite well when you add celery seed to them, as does coleslaw.

There are many reasons, as you can see, for using celery seed frequently. A bottle of celery seed keeps for up to 3 years so there is no reason not to get some and experiment. Try making some chicken noodle soup and adding celery seed to taste. You definitely won't be disappointed with the results! - 15359

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