Norma Hill'S Far East Celery
Norma Hill's Far East Celery offers a delightful blend of crisp celery, tender water chestnuts, and savory cream of chicken soup, topped with toasted almonds and bread crumbs. This comforting dish suits those who enjoy crunchy textures and mild, creamy flavors, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Precook celery slices in salted water until crisp-done; drain.
- Combine the cooked celery, sliced water chestnuts, condensed cream of chicken soup, and diced pimento (if using) in a 1-quart casserole.
- Toss the soft bread crumbs with toasted slivered almonds and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 minutes, or until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a low-fat cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers can be a great alternative. When precooking the celery, ensure it's still slightly crunchy to maintain texture after baking. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a side for roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with Ham Salad for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or any fruit cobbler for dessert, balancing the savory flavors with something sweet.
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 for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option; cover and heat in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norma Hill'S Far East Celery contains roughly 652 calories, with 12g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2123mg per serving (92% 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 prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the breadcrumb topping right before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time on the day you plan to serve it.
Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! You can substitute the soft bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without dietary concerns.
Can I use fresh water chestnuts instead of canned?
Yes, fresh water chestnuts can be used for a crunchier texture. Peel and slice them before adding to the casserole. Just note that they will require a quick cook to soften slightly, but not too long, to maintain their crispness.
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).