Betsy & Independence; Ocean Park-WAI haven't made this casserole for some time … but I've been missing it - and tonight those left-over chicken bits in the freezer from a recent chicken meal served us again, in tonight's Supper dish 👌
I liberally sprinkled paprika over the surface of this casserole before popping it into the oven, to add flavor as well as a vibrant color; I like color 😉
But Paprika, derived from dried peppers, also holds a treasure trove of health benefits in it's vibrancy: it's a good source of vitamins A and E, which support eye health and immune function. Paprika is rich in calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, all of which are important for building strong teeth, bones, and muscle. Paprika contains zinc, a mineral crucial for collagen synthesis, which can support wound healing and skin health.
Paprika also contains capsaicin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in pain management; and may help improve heart health by potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Capsaicin, found in paprika, may also have a positive impact on blood pressure and blood vessel health.
The capsaicin in paprika may have anti-obesity and appetite-suppressing properties. Studies have shown that it improves fat metabolism, especially the oxidation of abdominal fat. Capsaicin may also reduce appetite and caloric intake when incorporated as part of a healthy diet.
Other compounds in paprika called xanthophylls also show the ability to reduce abdominal fat and BMI.
Incorporating paprika into your diet may help protect your skin from UV-induced skin damage.
Chicken-Rice Casserole; with leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.
CHICKEN-RICE CASSEROLE – 6 servings (about 1 cup EA)
¼ cup Margarine, reduced-calorie * 1/3 cup Flour, all-purpose * 3/4 teaspoon Salt Substitute * 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper * 1-1/2 cups Skim Milk * 1 cup Chicken broth * 2 cups COOKED chicken, cut into bite-size pieces * 1-1/3 cups COOKED white rice (to make 1-1/3 cups of cooked rice, you'll need approximately 1/2 cup of uncooked rice & 1 cup of water) * 1/3 cup Green Bell pepper, chopped * a drop of Almond Extract * 2 TBSP Pimento, chopped * 1/2 c. Mushroom pieces, chopped * 2 tsp. Paprika
Ingredients
1) Heat oven to 350-degrees.
2) Heat margarine in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt & pepper and cook. Stirring constantly, until bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk & broth and heat to boiling – stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Move cooked rice off burner & to the side; melt margarine …
Whisk in the milk & broth - cook as directed.
3) Pour mixture into UNGREASED 2-quart casserole or square baking dish, 8 x 8 x 2 inches; sprinkle with paprika.
Casserole, oven ready.
RV Ovens are small things, & timing is everything: the casserole will be slipped into the oven as the biscuits are pulled & set on a cork hot mat; cover the biscuits with a kitchen towel to keep warm.
Bake UNCOVERED for 40 to 45 minutes … or until bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired.
This casserole is not spicy - it's kinda bland; but my husband , who douses everything pretty liberally with black pepper, says this chicken casserole is "a repeat" 👩❤️💋👨
Holland's pepper-doused portion …
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