Friday, December 19, 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 found in the Apium graveolons, rather than the vegetable celery; they are easily confused with other small light-brown seeds when you are just looking at them, but one sniff will tell you what you are dealing with. You will find that they smell just like celery and if you put it into your cooking, you will find that it imparts a celery flavor as well; despite not having, the celery stalks in the dish itself.

What is celery seed good for?

Celery seed is a popular ingredient in soups such as chicken noodle soup, salad dressings and in pickling. It also has a medicinal history, including being a homeopathic remedy for arthritis, gout, bronchitis and a variety of 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.

How can I make a good celery seed salad dressing?

It is not for nothing that you will find celery seeds in so many salad dressings! To make your own, by mixing a teaspoon of dry mustard, a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of celery seed. Then add a teaspoon of onion juice. Slowly trickle in 1/3 a cup of vinegar and a cup of salad oil. This will make a wonderfully tangy yet fairly mild dressing that can be used on fruit or vegetable salads. You can also add pepper and sugar to taste.

What foods go well with celery seeds?

Celery should be added when you feel the recipe would suit it. With a bit of experimentation, trial and error you might even be able to come up with some fabulous new recipes. Homemade chicken noodle soup is known for being extra tasty with added celery seed, or crockpot chicken noodle soup if you are at work all day and want to come home to a ready meal. If you normally add celery to a certain recipe, try celery seed instead for a change in texture. Coleslaw and chicken potpie are other recipes, which suit a celery seed flavor.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons for you to take a look at using celery seed on a regular basis. Grab a small bottle; the shelf life is about three years, after all. Do some experimentation and find out which dishes you will never make again without adding celery seeds to them! - 15359

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