Far East Celery(Good Side Vegetable)
A flavorful side vegetable featuring tender celery, water chestnuts, pimento, and a crunchy almond topping, baked to perfection; ideal for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice and cook celery until just tender; drain.
- Mix cooked celery, water chestnuts, cream of chicken or celery soup, and mashed pimento in a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Take 1 cup of soft bread crumbs and toss with almonds and melted butter.
- Spread the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of soy sauce. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers make a great substitute. For a creamier texture, try using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken or celery. Be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if using a larger casserole dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Broccoli(Gloria Earnshaw) or can be served alongside your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, complement it with a fresh salad or Cheese Potatoes (Low-Fat). It also makes a great side for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Far East Celery(Good Side Vegetable) contains roughly 1089 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% 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 water chestnuts instead of canned?
Yes, fresh water chestnuts can be used in this recipe. They will provide a crunchier texture. Just peel and slice them thinly before adding them to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add the breadcrumb topping right before baking to keep it crisp.
What can I substitute for the almonds?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be excellent substitutes. For a richer flavor, try using crushed pecans or walnuts.
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).