Celery Chicken and Rice

     This turned out so delicious, and hit that savory spot deep down in the tummy (the hubby even raved)!  If you happen to be looking for a vegetarian dish, this can be made with or with out chicken.  I added the sliced Almonds as an extra protein source to cover all bases.  So I have figured the macros both ways, depending on what strikes your fancy.  With Chicken, these are four HUGE servings for 435 calories, 41g net carbs and 32g protein~if you decide to omit Chicken, the four servings would only be 345 calories, 41g net carbs and only 12g protein.  Either way, this dish is so fantastic on the flavor and health scale you can't go wrong!

Ingredients for four large servings~
1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 medium yellow sweet Onion, diced
1 tablespoon chopped Garlic
Dash Cayenne Pepper
1 cup White, Brown or Wild Rice
2 cups Water
1 teaspoon Chicken Base or 1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
8oz fresh sliced Mushrooms
1 head Celery (approx 20oz), cleaned, trimmed and sliced
1 pound raw boneless skinless Chicken Breast, diced
8oz can sliced Water Chestnuts, drained
8oz can Bamboo Shoots, drained
1/2 cup sliced Almonds
Himalayan Salt or regular Salt, to season
Chow Mein Noodles for garnish if desired (not included in macros)

     Add Olive Oil to skillet, along with Onions, Garlic and Cayenne til golden brown.  Don't rush this step, may take 20 minutes to get the rich deep color and flavor of the perfect caramelized onion.  Meanwhile, add the Rice, Water and Chicken Base to saucepan and bring to boil, once boiling reduce to simmer and cover with tight fitting lid til water evaporates, approximately 50 minutes, remove from heat with lid in place to rest for 10 minutes til ready (or follow package directions).  After Onions have turned a golden color, add the Mushrooms til cooked thru, then add the Celery and continue cooking til desired level of done.  Next add diced Chicken and cook thoroughly, then stir in Chestnuts, Bamboo Shoots and Almonds.  Season generously with Salt, to taste.  When ready, add 1/4 Rice to bowl and top with 1/4 of Celery mixture, garnish with Chow Mein Noodles if desired.  Enjoy  :)