Celery Casserole With Almonds
A delightful celery casserole with toasted almonds and fresh herbs, offering a savory, nutty flavor perfect for a comforting vegetarian main or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove outer stalks and leaves from the celery.
- Cut celery heads into quarters lengthwise and brown in butter.
- Place the browned celery in a shallow casserole dish.
- Add green pepper slivers, chopped parsley, chopped chives, minced garlic, and olive oil to the casserole.
- Top the casserole with slivered blanched almonds sautéed in butter.
- Pour vegetable broth over the casserole to a depth of 1/4 inch.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, basting several times with the liquid.
- Uncover the casserole and baste again.
- Continue baking until the celery is tender, adding more broth if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of olive oil when browning the celery. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds for the almonds. Additionally, feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great side dish for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Celery Casserole With Almonds as a delightful side dish alongside roasted meats or a hearty grain salad. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Carol'S Carrot And Rice Casserole for a comforting meal. Consider adding a fresh green salad to round out the meal and bring brightness to the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celery Casserole With Almonds contains roughly 360 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (330% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply add a bit more broth if it seems dry, and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy days.
What can I substitute for slivered blanched almonds?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as a substitute. For a different texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil for a crunchy topping that still delivers flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil, and ensure that the vegetable broth is plant-based. This way, the casserole remains flavorful and aligns perfectly with vegetarian recipes while catering to a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).