Casseroles are something that my family indulged in at least four days a week. On Sundays Dad would put something big on the BBQ spit, like a turkey, leg of lamb or ham and we would eat that, with all the fixin's for Sunday dinner. For the rest of the week we had sandwiches and casseroles, interspersed with burgers, spaghetti and meatballs, or a pizza. Casseroles are great for using up those leftover bits of meat in a more interesting way. If you love cheese, as my family does, there's nothing better than some kind of meat baked with pasta and cheese. Okay, I confess, I'm Italian, and I eat like it.
Putting together a casserole is kind of like making soup, but without all the liquid. You need something to bind everything together, like cheese or some canned soup without the liquid, eggs, or breadcrumbs...or all of the above. Pretty much anything goes good in a casserole dish and there are loads of casserole recipes out there. First decide what kind of meat (or veggies, if you're vegan), starch, binder and flavors you want to put together. Then figure out how long it's going to take for the flavors to mingle in the oven, and go for it.
If you are going to use rice or pasta, you can either cook the starch first and then cook the casserole less or you will have to add the appropriate amount of liquid so it can cook. Things like potatoes don't need liquid but they will need an extended cooking time. With precooked starches you will just need enough time for everything to mix well and if you take that route, make sure you cook the meat first too.
Remember to season the casserole well or it will be rather bland. Beyond the usual salt and pepper, you would use basil, oregano and cheese for pasta, tomato sauce for rice or pasta and cheese for potatoes. Additional vegetables for any casserole would be onions, garlic, peas, beans, carrots, celery, bell-pepper, broccoli, cauliflower and corn. Tuna goes best with peas, onions, garlic and pasta, with a white sauce. Beef goes best with rice or pasta and all of the vegetables and tomato sauce. Chicken and turkey go best with rice or pasta, peas, corn, onions, garlic and broccoli. Ham goes best with onions, garlic, peas, beans, bell-pepper and cauliflower. These are not hard and fast rules, just examples. You fix what you like and don't worry about tradition. Pop that casserole in the oven, heat until bubbling and enjoy. When you make it yourself with fresh vegetables and a good chemical-free meat, it's healthy. That way you can also cut the calories, leave out additives that the deli might put in (and that the frozen food manufacturer will for sure put in), and get the satisfaction of knowing that you know exactly what is in it.
©2010 Dr.Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved
Dr. Valerie Olmsted is an author, naturopathic physician, metaphysician, internet entrepreneur, artist, speaker, and lover of life. Traveling with the Quantum Vortex Experience, she has helped thousands of people reach the inner connection they are seeking and has contributed to the discoveries of manifestation practices via quantum physics applications.
http://www.BeWhoYouReallyAreCoach.com
Contact: Dr. Valerie Olmsted
2370 W. SR 89A
Ste.11-#121
Sedona, AZ 86336
928-257-3290
See Also : kitchenaid 12 piece cookware set all clad masterchef 2 7 piece cookware set
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.