Fancy Pea Casserole
A creamy, savory casserole featuring peas, mushrooms, and pimentos, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, with a comforting blend of vegetables and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and green pepper in melted margarine until tender.
- Add mushroom soup, chopped pimentos, and water chestnuts to the sauteed vegetables and mix well.
- Pour the mixture over drained green peas in a casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some grated cheese on top before baking. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be good substitutes. You can also use frozen peas instead of canned for a fresher taste. To make it a bit heartier, try adding cooked diced chicken or a sprinkle of herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with Herbed Cornish Hens.
Serving Suggestions
This Fancy Pea Casserole makes a great side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs well with roasted meats, such as chicken or turkey, and can be complemented with a fresh salad, like Marinated Poppy Seed Vegetable Salad, for a complete meal. For a more substantial dish, serve it alongside Frank And Pineapple Kabobs.
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 (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy Pea Casserole contains roughly 320 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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 a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the mushroom soup you use is meat-free, and you can enjoy this dish as a delightful vegetarian option for any meal.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, jicama can serve as a great substitute, providing a similar crunch. Alternatively, you can omit them altogether or use sliced almonds for a different texture and flavor in the casserole.
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).