Super Tasty Celery Dish
A creamy, crunchy celery casserole with water chestnuts and almonds, perfect for a comforting side dish or light main, appealing to those who enjoy savory, nutty flavors.
Ingredients
- 5 cups fresh celery, cut into 1-inch slices ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 teaspoons chicken flavored bouillon granules (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced pimiento or 1/2 bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 stick melted oleo ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the celery, water, water chestnuts, and salt. Simmer for 8 minutes, then drain.
- Place the cooked vegetables in a mixing bowl.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, melted oleo, bouillon granules, and diced pimiento or bell pepper; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs and top with slivered almonds.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat cream of chicken soup or use a homemade version. If you don't have water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms can provide a different texture. Adding some grated cheese on top before baking can give a delightful flavor boost. This dish pairs well with other American recipes, especially those featuring chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Super Tasty Celery Dish as a delightful side to roasted chicken or grilled meats. It also complements rice dishes beautifully, making it a versatile addition to your meal. Consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Tasty Celery Dish contains roughly 356 calories, with 11g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2740mg per serving (119% 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 dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the casserole dish but wait to add the breadcrumbs and almonds until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. You can also blend silken tofu with seasonings for a creamy alternative.
Is it possible to add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli for extra color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to keep everything tender.
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).