Green Peas Delicious
A comforting green pea casserole with mushrooms, water chestnuts, and pimentos, topped with buttery bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, sliced celery, and pepper in margarine until tender.
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to a casserole dish.
- Add drained English peas, water chestnuts, diced pimento, and cream of mushroom soup to the casserole.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Top with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic or adding a dash of hot sauce to the vegetable mixture. If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced almonds can provide a similar crunch. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with homemade cream sauce or a different cream soup for variation. For a vegetarian twist, ensure the soup is meat-free and check for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can serve it as a main dish or as a hearty side alongside proteins like grilled chicken or steak. For a comforting dessert, consider serving with Apple Pie Slices to round out your meal, making it a delightful American recipe experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Peas Delicious contains roughly 534 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% 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 ahead of time, assemble it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to keep it fresh. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of margarine?
If you prefer, you can substitute margarine with butter or a plant-based oil like olive oil for a healthier option. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well in this recipe, maintaining the rich flavor of the sautéed vegetables.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Prepare it as directed, but do not bake. Instead, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option for busy days.
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).