Bamboo Zen Celery Cucumber (Printable format)

Minimalist appetizer of crisp celery and cucumber sticks, garnished with sesame seeds and herbs for a fresh bite.

# List of ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers
02 - 4 large celery stalks

→ Garnish (optional)

03 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
04 - 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or tamari (for dipping)
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
06 - Fresh mint or basil leaves

# How to make it:

01 - Wash the cucumbers and celery stalks thoroughly.
02 - Trim the ends off the cucumbers and celery.
03 - Cut the cucumbers and celery into long, even sticks, about 4 to 5 inches in length.
04 - Arrange the sticks vertically and horizontally on a serving platter to resemble minimalist bamboo structures.
05 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves for added aroma and color.
06 - Serve chilled, accompanied by a small bowl of soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar for dipping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes but looks like you spent an hour thinking about presentation.
  • You can make it while everything else is still cooking, then forget about it until guests arrive.
  • It's the kind of dish that makes people feel cared for without making you feel stressed.
02 -
  • The secret to keeping these crisp for hours is soaking them in ice water for 10 minutes right before arranging—it plumps the cells and they stay snappy even after sitting out.
  • Cut your sticks thinner if you want them to feel more delicate, thicker if you want something with real bite and presence on the plate.
03 -
  • A very sharp knife makes cleaner cuts and keeps the vegetables from bruising—dull blades crush the cells and make everything lose crispness faster.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the vegetables whole in the fridge and cut them only 30 minutes before serving; they'll stay colder and stay crisp longer.
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