Sensational Celery
Sensational Celery is a creamy, crunchy casserole combining tender celery, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and almonds in a rich sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it appeals to those who enjoy savory, textured flavors with a hint of nuttiness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook celery in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain.
- Drain water chestnuts; reserve liquid.
- Slice water chestnuts.
- Drain mushrooms and reserve liquid.
- Mix cooked celery, sliced water chestnuts, slivered almonds, and drained mushrooms together.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add flour to the melted butter and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add reserved water chestnut and mushroom liquids, milk, and chicken broth; cook, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in the celery mixture and pour into a casserole dish.
- Top with bread crumbs and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven until bubbly and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or onion when melting the butter. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with olive oil and use low-fat milk. For a gluten-free option, replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sensational celery dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Valley Fresh Chicken Salad or a side of Cream Of Potato Soup(Heart Smart). For a complete dinner, consider adding a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to the table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month, but the texture of the celery may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sensational Celery contains roughly 541 calories, with 12g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% 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 celery mixture and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, combine everything in the casserole dish, top with bread crumbs and cheese, and bake as directed. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor profile. Nutritional yeast can also be a great dairy-free substitute, offering a cheesy flavor without the lactose. Just adjust the quantity to your taste, as it can be more potent than cheese.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, ensure that the canned mushroom stems and pieces do not contain any animal products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option.
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).