I often say food is best just as it comes fresh, but today’s post is in praise of casseroles. My block is currently full of surgical patients. Pre-op, post-op, young, old, the demographics are everywhere, but there’s also commonality. Each family needs food and we support each other.
At times, nothing beats a one pot meal that can be frozen and used when needed. Casseroles fill that bill. The possible flavor combinations are numerous, the level of prep variable, and the dietary specifics adaptable. I’m delivering three versions to my neighbor this afternoon.
When you have time, you can begin with fresh vegetables, herbs, meat, poultry, or seafood and homemade sauce or gravy. When you’re rushed, prepared soups, breadcrumbs, or sauces, rotisserie chicken, and frozen vegetables will speed the process. Just make sure the prepared items are compliant with any dietary restrictions.
I like to deliver casseroles in disposable, freezer-safe containers so no one feels obligated to wash and return them. I often break each casserole into meal-sized portions and pre-freeze. This comes in handy with multiple households needing food at the same time because it allows me to combine prep and cooking.
I can’t say that I have a favorite casserole, but some regulars include chicken and rice with broccoli or asparagus; tamale pie with ground turkey, corn, and black beans; tuna with English peas topped with crushed potato chips,
Popular casserole recipes seem to contain lots of cheese and butter. If you’re trying to avoid dairy, overcooked sweet potatoes or potatoes will break down to thicken a sauce that begins as mostly water. Rice will absorb extra water along with the flavors of the spices and staples you choose. Pot likker adds an extra layer of flavor. If you can tolerate aged foods, tofu will add protein and creaminess.
My secret ingredients for added non-dairy flavor include toasted sesame oil, balsamic glaze, turmeric vinegar, mirin, chili garlic sauce, green chiles, and molasses. I also sometimes use the extra barbecue sauce that comes with takeout.
Casseroles aren’t just for delivering down the street, they’re a great place to use left-over vegetables and to extend a meal when unexpected guests arrive. And they’re fast! If you’re throwing one together after work using cooked ingredients, about 20 minutes in the oven is all you need.
So, top it with butter, slather it with shredded cheese, fill it with herbs, stuff it full of beef, chicken, turkey, pork, tuna, or salmon, stir in the vegetables and do something else. It will bake into a luscious mixture that will warm your tummy and hug your neighbors’ hearts.
Who knows, casseroles may even have healing power when they’re made with love and kindness.
