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Celery Fritters in Tomato Sauce | Rocchini di Sedano

This dish featuring tender celery transformed into savory, cheese-infused balls, fried to golden perfection and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This rustic yet elegant recipe brings a taste of Tuscan traditional cuisine to your table, perfect alongside poultry dishes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Celery Fritters
Servings: 4
Author: Guido Pasquariello

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Frying pan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Paper towels

Ingredients

  • 3 large fresh celery stalks
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Flour for coating
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 4 cups Sunflower oil for frying
  • 1 pot of tomato sauce or leftover meat stew sauce

Instructions

  • Prepare the Celery: Trim and discard the tough white part of the celery stalks. Remove any naturally separating strings. Cut the celery into pieces, keeping the leaves aside.
    3 large fresh celery stalks
  • Boil the Celery: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the celery pieces for about 30 minutes. Add the leaves and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
  • Drain and Cool: Drain the celery and leaves. Once cool, squeeze out excess water.
  • Chop and Shape: Finely chop the celery on a cutting board. Squeeze out any remaining water and shape into small balls (rocchini).
  • Coat and Fry: Heat the sunflower oil in a frying pan. Coat each rocchini in flour, then dip in beaten egg. Fry until golden brown.
    Flour for coating, 4 cups Sunflower oil for frying, 2 eggs
  • Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried rocchini on paper towels to drain.
  • Simmer in Sauce: Add the rocchini to the pot with tomato sauce or leftover meat stew sauce. Simmer for 15-20 minutes on medium heat, covered.
    1 pot of tomato sauce
  • Serve Hot: Serve the rocchini hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
    1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

Enjoy this traditional dish from Arezzo, where the humble celery is transformed into a luxurious treat. Perfect for special occasions or a unique side dish.