HERBED SEAFOOD CASSEROLE
“A friend shared this recipe with me. The casserole is wonderfully rich and creamy. When it comes to seafood casserole recipes, this is one of the best.” Donna Schmuland, Wetaskiwin, Alta.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Bake Time: 50 minutes + standing Yield: 12 servings
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion and carrot, cook and stir until crisp-tender. Add garlic, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute longer.
2. Add to cooked rice. Stir in parsley and dill. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
3. Fill a large saucepan two-thirds full with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Add shrimp and simmer, uncovered for 30 seconds. Add scallops, simmer 2-3 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink and scallops are firm and opaque. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Place seafood in a large bowl and stir in crab.
4. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until blended and gradually stir in cream and reserved cooking liquid. Bring to a boil, cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat. Stir in cream cheese, dill and seasonings until smooth. Stir into seafood mixture.
5. Pour over rice mixture. Toss bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, 50-55 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
1½ cups uncooked long
grain rice
2 tbsp butter
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced 1 medium onion, finely
chopped
1 medium carrot, shredded 3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley 1½ tsp snipped fresh dill
or ½ teaspoon dill weed
SEAFOOD
1 lb uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 lb bay scallops 1 can (16 oz.) crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
5 tbsp butter, cubed
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups half-and-half cream 1 pkg (8 oz.) cream
cheese, cubed
1½ tsp snipped fresh dill
or ½ tsp dill weed
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp dried thyme
TOPPING
1½ cups soft bread crumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Amount Per Serving (1 cup): 404 calories, 20 g fat, 150 mg cholesterol, 616 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 3g sugars, 1g fibre, 26g protein.