Fool proof food
Serves 6.
1 head of fresh celery
600ml (1 pint) water
3 tsp salt
200g (7oz) cashew nuts
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of sugar
Slice the celery diagonally into pieces the size of a cashew nut. Bring the water to the boil in a saucepan and add two teaspoons of salt. Salted water preserves the colour of the celery.
Add the celery to the boiling water and immediately turn off the heat. Leave the celery in the hot water for three minutes.
Drain off the water. The celery should still be crisp. Heat the oil in a frying pan and swirl to coat the base of the pan. Add the cashew nuts and stir constantly for one minute taking care not to burn the nuts. When the nuts are golden and smell toasted add the celery to the pan. Toss well and season with one teaspoon salt and a pinch of sugar to taste.
Serve hot or cold.
This very simple salad is a completely delicious, fresh tasting and crunchy. Eat on its own or as an accompaniment to cold meats or warm chicken.
