Almondscomfort foodrecipe

Almond Rice Casserole

Average Rating
No rating yet
My Rating:

🍚πŸ₯˜ Almond Rice Casserole: A Delicious Delight 🍚πŸ₯˜

What is it?
Almond Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the nutty goodness of almonds with the comforting wholesomeness of rice. It’s a flavorful casserole that’s perfect as a side dish or even as a main course for vegetarians.

History:
The exact origins of Almond Rice Casserole are a bit hazy, but it’s widely believed to be a classic American casserole dish that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. It likely evolved as a way to make rice more exciting and substantial, combining almonds for crunch and a creamy sauce for richness.

Components:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for cooking rice)
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika for garnish (optional)

Steps to Prepare:

  1. Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking 1 cup of long-grain white rice in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Follow the package instructions for rice preparation. Once cooked, fluff the rice and set it aside.

  2. SautΓ© the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup each of diced onions, celery, and sliced mushrooms. SautΓ© until they become tender and the onions turn translucent.

  3. Combine Rice and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and sautΓ©ed vegetables. Mix them thoroughly.

  4. Add Almonds and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of sliced almonds and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the rice and vegetable mixture.

  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Add this creamy mixture to the rice and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything until well combined.

  6. Bake in a Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is lightly browned.

  8. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle paprika over the casserole for a pop of color and extra flavor.

  9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions onto plates and enjoy your Almond Rice Casserole!

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Rice Casserole is approximately 1 hour, including prep time and baking.

So, there you have it – a sumptuous Almond Rice Casserole that’s rich, creamy, and filled with nutty goodness. It’s a perfect dish to bring to potlucks or serve at family gatherings. Enjoy! πŸ½οΈπŸ˜‹

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Rice Casserole:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approximate values):

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25-30g
    • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 25-30mg
  • Sodium: 350-400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
    • Sugars: 2-3g
  • Protein: 8-10g

Health Information:

  • Protein: Almond Rice Casserole contains a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
  • Fats: While it is a flavorful dish, be mindful of the fat content, particularly saturated fat, due to the cheese, mayonnaise, and butter. Consuming such fats in moderation is advisable for heart health.
  • Calories: This dish is moderately calorie-dense, so it’s important to watch portion sizes if you’re mindful of calorie intake.
  • Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates mainly come from rice, which is a good source of energy. However, be cautious if you’re on a low-carb diet.
  • Fiber: It doesn’t provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, so consider adding more fiber-rich side dishes if you’re aiming for higher fiber intake.
  • Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to broth, cheese, and any added salt. High sodium intake may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions.

Remember that the exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. To make this dish healthier, you can consider using low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing the amount of cheese or using a low-fat cheese alternative. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables into the casserole can boost its nutritional value.

My Rating:

Loading spinner
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Back to top button
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x