Creamed Celery And Pecans
Creamed celery with crunchy pecans and buttery crumbs offers a rich, comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, blending creamy textures with nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut celery into 1/2-inch diagonal pieces.
- Cover celery with water and boil until tender, about 15 minutes; drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan; stir in flour.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
- Stir in salt and cooked celery.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Top with pecan halves and buttered crumbs.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the milk mixture. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch and ensure the buttered crumbs are made with gluten-free bread. You can also add a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. This dish is a great way to use leftover celery or can be customized with other nuts like walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamed celery as a comforting side dish alongside roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. It pairs beautifully with Doughnuts Or Rolls for a delightful brunch. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You may want to add a splash of milk if the mixture appears too thick after refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Celery And Pecans contains roughly 1181 calories, with 3g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and potassium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2553mg per serving (111% 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 use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute or add vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time according to the vegetable used, ensuring they are tender before adding to the cream mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with creamed celery?
Creamed celery pairs well with roasted chicken or a hearty grain dish. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a quinoa salad or with a slice of Chess Pie(Nancy'S Grandmother'S Recipe) for a comforting meal.
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).