Casseroles! Flavorful combinations in a one-dish meal!

What makes a casserole: Combination of precooked or quick-cooking foods One dish meal Great use for leftovers Casserole is French for “baking dish”

History of Casseroles Draw on many ethnic influences – Asian one-pot meals – Medieval pies with mashed rice crust Gained popularity in US mid-20 th century – What happened in these years??

History of Casseroles Draw on many ethnic influences – Asian one-pot meals – Medieval pies with mashed rice crust Gained popularity in US mid-20 th century – What happened in these years?? Great Depression Two World Wars

Casserole Ingredients Main Ingredient(s): cooked meat/poultry, canned fish, shellfish, tofu Main ingredient could be vegetable, grain, or legume – (usually cooked al dente) Why brown the meat beforehand?

Casserole Ingredients Main Ingredient(s): cooked meat/poultry, canned fish, shellfish, tofu Main ingredient could be vegetable, grain, or legume Why brown the meat beforehand? – Brings out the flavor, stand out when with other foods

Additional Ingredients Starches: thicken the casserole by absorbing liquid, add flavor & nutrients Protein: meat, beans, other sources of this essential nutrient Vegetables: canned, cooked, fresh, or frozen Binders: sauce/liquid that helps hold a mixture together Seasonings: herbs and spices, bottled sauces, condiments; – dried work better in casseroles (fresh lose their flavor during long cook times); make sure not to add too much salt or other seasonings if they are in canned vegetables, etc. Toppings: add flavor, color, texture, keep dish from drying out.

Additional Vocab Au Gratin – is topped with buttered breadcrumbs or grated cheese (or both)

Baking Casseroles Usually baked in the oven 2-4 inch deep dish; usually covered Usually dishes designed to bake and serve Sometimes layered; sometimes stirred minutes at 350 degrees Casseroles should set before serving about 10 minutes Can be microwaved

In summary: Casseroles are… – Creative (not just meat and potatoes) – Give excitement to vegetarian dishes – Extends leftovers (1 lb. ground beef = 4 burgers or casserole of 6-8 servings) – Improves leftovers! – Ingredients usually cooked al dente before baking (not quite done)

Categorize the ingredients Using recipes provided in recipe books or online, classify the ingredients in the recipe into the ingredient categories discussed in the notes.

Be a smart consumer Due to consumers’ increasing demand for convenience, the one-dish casserole has evolved into the one-hand meal. Common casseroles are widely available as frozen convenience foods. They make quick meals or snacks and can be heated in the microwave in a matter of minutes. Nutritionally, however, these convenient casseroles may not measure up to their traditional counterparts. They are often high in fat, calories, sodium, and additives. Challenge: Evaluate a frozen convenience casserole. How might a homemade casserole have better nutritional values? The trend of turning traditional foods into convenient forms has affected more than just casseroles. What other foods or meals are now available in convenient forms?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Using Leftovers… Plan a casserole From side dish to one-dish For dietary needs: gluten-free, vegetarian, lactose-free, etc. Casserole on a budget I hate goats