Elegant Asparagus And Peas
Elegant Asparagus and Peas combines tender canned vegetables with a creamy cheese sauce, topped with sliced boiled eggs for a sophisticated touch. Perfect for a quick yet impressive side dish, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the drained asparagus and peas to a 2-quart casserole and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the margarine.
- Gradually stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add salt and continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the shredded Velveeta cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the asparagus and peas in the casserole.
- Slice boiled eggs and lay them on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh asparagus and peas when in season. You can substitute butter for margarine if you prefer. If you want to lighten the dish, try using low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative. Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. This dish can be served alongside Jenny'S Eggs Florentine(American Meatless Breakfast) for a delightful brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this elegant dish as a main course or a side for grilled meats or roasted chicken. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside a light dessert like Lemon Mousse to balance the richness of the cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elegant Asparagus And Peas contains roughly 739 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2578mg per serving (112% 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 fresh asparagus instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh asparagus will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Simply steam or blanch the fresh asparagus until tender before adding it to the casserole. This will provide a fresher taste than canned asparagus.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer a more natural cheese, you can substitute with a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese. This will give a similar creamy texture and flavor, while also being a little healthier.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat ingredients. However, ensure that the margarine used is dairy-free if you want to keep it vegan. This dish is perfect for those looking for hearty vegetarian recipes.
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).