Chinese Celery Casserole
A savory Chinese-inspired casserole combining tender celery, water chestnuts, and pimentos in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs and almonds. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions seeking a comforting yet flavorful side.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sliced celery, water, and salt in a covered pan. Simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Drain the celery and turn it into a buttered casserole dish.
- Add sliced water chestnuts, chopped pimento, and mushroom soup to the casserole.
- Gently mix all ingredients together.
- Top the casserole with buttered coarse bread crumbs and slivered almonds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the celery briefly before adding it to the casserole. If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced carrots can provide a similar crunch. You can also substitute the mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce or a different cream soup if desired. For a nut-free version, simply omit the slivered almonds.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Celery Casserole makes a delightful side dish, perfect alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. It pairs beautifully with Dumplings For Chicken or can complement Chinese recipes featuring rice or noodles. Serve it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying and heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Celery Casserole contains roughly 238 calories, with 9g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
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 stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. The mushroom soup adds a rich flavor that complements the vegetables well, making it a great option for anyone looking for vegetarian recipes.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mushrooms. Sauté about 1 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms in butter before adding them to the casserole. You may want to add a bit of cream or vegetable broth to maintain a creamy texture similar to the soup.
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).