Far East Celery
Far East Celery offers a delightful blend of crisp celery, crunchy water chestnuts, and savory chicken soup, topped with toasted almonds and breadcrumbs. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, providing a harmonious mix of textures and flavors with a hint of Asian influence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in a little boiling water until crisp done, about 8 minutes.
- Drain water chestnuts and thinly slice them, then mix with the cooked celery.
- Add cream of chicken soup and diced pimento to the celery mixture and place in a one-quart casserole.
- Toss breadcrumbs with toasted slivered almonds and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley in the celery mixture. If you want a crunchier topping, you can substitute the soft breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the cream of chicken soup for a cream of mushroom soup. This dish is versatile and can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This Far East Celery dish makes a delightful side for roasted meats or can be served alongside a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Adobo, enhancing the meal's overall flavor. Consider serving it with rice or quinoa to soak up any extra sauce, making it a hearty addition to your dining table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole back in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quick reheating, but the oven method helps maintain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Far East Celery contains roughly 402 calories, with 10g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1415mg per serving (62% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced bamboo shoots or even finely chopped jicama can serve as a crisp alternative. Both options will provide a similar texture and a slight crunch to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure that your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free, or make a homemade version using gluten-free flour.
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).