Exotic Celery
Exotic Celery offers a crunchy, creamy mixture of celery, water chestnuts, almonds, and green peppers, topped with crumbs, perfect for a flavorful side or party dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery for 8 minutes and drain.
- Put all ingredients in a casserole dish in the order given.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
- Top with crackers or any kind of crumbs before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture before baking. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try using crushed Ore-Ida Potatoes instead of standard breadcrumbs. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a mushroom or celery soup for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted chicken or beef. It also makes a great side dish for potlucks or family gatherings, complementing other American recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Exotic Celery contains roughly 241 calories, with 7g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a vegetable-based cream soup and omit the pimento if desired. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying without the meat.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use sliced jicama or chopped celery for a similar crunch. Alternatively, omit them entirely if you prefer a softer texture in the dish.
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).