🥦 Asparagus Casserole ala Nita 🥘
History: Asparagus casserole is a classic dish that often appears on holiday tables and at family gatherings. The origins of this dish can be traced back to mid-20th century America when casseroles gained popularity due to their convenience and the availability of canned ingredients. Nita, a fictional name in this case, might be a home cook who put her own spin on this beloved casserole.
Components:
- 2 pounds of fresh asparagus
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 cups of crumbled Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced almonds for topping
Preparation:
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare asparagus: Wash and trim the tough ends from the asparagus spears. Steam them until they are just tender but still crisp, for about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. This creamy sauce is what gives the casserole its delicious flavor.
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Assemble the casserole: In a greased casserole dish, place half of the asparagus. Pour half of the sauce over the asparagus. Add the remaining asparagus and top with the rest of the sauce.
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Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the asparagus and sauce. If you like, you can also add sliced almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
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Serve: Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time Needed: The total time needed to prepare and bake Asparagus Casserole ala Nita is approximately 45-55 minutes, including the time to steam the asparagus and bake the casserole.
This dish is a delightful side for any meal, and the creamy, cheesy sauce complements the asparagus beautifully. Enjoy! 😋👨🍳🍽️
🥦 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Asparagus Casserole ala Nita 🥗
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 7-10g
- Cholesterol: 20-30mg
- Sodium: 700-800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 3-4g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Vitamin A: 15-20% DV
- Vitamin C: 15-20% DV
- Calcium: 15-20% DV
- Iron: 10-15% DV
Health Information:
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Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable rich in vitamins, especially vitamin K and folate. It’s also a good source of fiber, which can aid in digestion. Asparagus is low in calories and contains various antioxidants that may contribute to overall health.
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Mushroom Soup: Cream of mushroom soup is creamy and flavorful but can be high in sodium and fat. Consider using reduced-sodium options if you’re concerned about sodium intake.
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Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides calcium and protein, but it’s also high in saturated fat and calories. Moderation is key when including cheese in your diet.
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Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is calorie-dense and contains fats, so use it sparingly for a healthier dish.
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Ritz Crackers and Butter: The cracker topping is a source of carbohydrates and added fats. Limiting the amount of butter used can help reduce the overall fat content.
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Portion Control: As with many casseroles, portion control is essential. While this dish is delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie and fat content.
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Variations: You can make this dish slightly healthier by using light mayonnaise, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-grain crackers for the topping. This will lower the calorie and fat content while still providing a tasty casserole.
Remember, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so it’s a good practice to check product labels and use online nutrition calculators for precise values. Enjoy this delicious casserole as part of a balanced diet. 🥦🥗🍽️
