🍽️ Asparagus-Water Chestnut Casserole 🥦
Asparagus-Water Chestnut Casserole is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the earthy goodness of asparagus with the crisp texture of water chestnuts. It’s a perfect side dish for your next family dinner or special occasion. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown for you:
📜 History: The exact origins of this casserole are not well-documented, but it likely evolved in American kitchens during the mid-20th century when casseroles were gaining popularity. The combination of asparagus and water chestnuts provides a lovely contrast in flavors and textures.
🥦 Components:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus spears
- 1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Emojis for extra flavor! 🧀🌱🍴
📝 Steps to Prepare:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and blanch them in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. This keeps them crisp.
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Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of blanched asparagus and a layer of sliced water chestnuts.
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Cheesy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add some salt and pepper for flavor. Mix this creamy concoction well, and then spread it evenly over the asparagus and water chestnut layers.
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Crunchy Topping: In another bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the crushed buttery crackers. Spread this mixture over the creamy layer in the baking dish.
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Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
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Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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Serve: Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve it up hot with a smile and a garnish of more Parmesan if you like.
⏱️ Time Needed: The preparation should take about 20-25 minutes, and baking takes an additional 25-30 minutes, so in total, you’ll need approximately 45-55 minutes to prepare and cook this delicious casserole.
Enjoy your Asparagus-Water Chestnut Casserole, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! 😋🍽️👨👩👦👦🌟
🥦 Asparagus-Water Chestnut Casserole Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🍽️
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 330
- Total Fat: About 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Around 46mg
- Sodium: Roughly 480mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g
- Dietary Fiber: About 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: Around 9g
- Vitamin D: About 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Calcium: Approximately 18% DV
- Iron: Roughly 10% DV
- Potassium: Around 200mg
🌱 Health Information:
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Asparagus: Asparagus is a great source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and various antioxidants. It’s low in calories and can support digestive health, bone health, and weight management.
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Water Chestnuts: Water chestnuts are low in calories and fat. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and various vitamins and minerals. They add a satisfying crunch to the dish.
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Cheese: The cheese in this casserole provides calcium and protein. However, it also contributes to the fat and calorie content, so moderation is key.
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Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These ingredients add creaminess and flavor, but they also contribute to the overall fat content of the dish. Choose low-fat or light versions if you’re looking to reduce calories.
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Crackers and Butter: The cracker and butter topping provides a delightful crunch but also adds calories and saturated fat.
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Overall: This casserole is a delicious treat, but it’s relatively high in calories and fat. Enjoy it in moderation and balance it with a variety of other nutrient-rich foods to maintain a healthy diet.
Remember that actual nutrition values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used, so it’s a good idea to check labels and adjust the portion sizes according to your dietary needs and goals. 🥗👩⚕️🥦
