Tuna casserole
Forget about the Americanized version of tuna casserole, which is often made with canned cream of mushroom soup and tossed with overcooked egg noodles. Real tuna casserole is a thing of beauty - a creamy blend of cream sauce, fresh tuna, and al dente pasta, seasoned with a generous pinch of herbs and spices. It's a dish that is packed full of flavor, texture, and sustenance.
Tuna casserole is surprisingly easy to make and can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. Start by poaching fresh tuna in a rich fish stock, then combine it with cooked pasta, a simple white sauce, and a handful of whatever vegetables you have on hand. The possibilities are almost endless – top it with some crispy breadcrumbs for added crunch, or add a few tablespoons of pesto for a bright note of flavor. There really is no wrong way to make tuna casserole.
The real secret to delicious tuna casserole is using the freshest ingredients available. Ditch the canned tuna and opt for something of higher quality instead. Fresh tuna that has been freshly caught and hasn't been sitting in a can for weeks will help to elevate your recipe from boring to brilliant. And make sure to use good quality pasta – the difference between perfectly al dente spaghetti and soggy overcooked noodles is huge.
So don't be swayed by those who dismiss this classic dish. With the right ingredients and a bit of creative flair, tuna casserole can be an enduringly delicious meal. All hail the power of the tuna casserole!
Tuna casserole recipes
Amazing Tuna casserole recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Tuna casserole
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The infamous tuna casserole has a long and mysterious history, with its origins shrouded in controversy. One of the most commonly cited theories is that the dish was invented by a well-known chef in the 1950s as a way to combine two of the most popular items on his menu at the time – canned tuna and macaroni. But this theory has been fiercely contested by some culinary historians, who point out that similar dishes featuring cooked noodles and tuna had already appeared in the U.S. at least a few decades before this.
Examples of these dishes have even been traced back to cookbooks from the late 1800s, and while they may not have taken the form of a casserole, they do seem to hint at the idea of combining canned tuna with cooked pasta. Further evidence indicates that the recipe for what we now call tuna casserole began to emerge in various forms during the early 20th century, and it’s possible that the dish originated as an attempt to stretch out inexpensive ingredients like canned tuna in order to feed a large family on a budget.
Whatever its precise origins, there’s no denying that tuna casserole has become an enduring comfort food favorite over the years. What was once a thrifty dish born out of necessity is now enjoyed around the world – albeit often with a few of our own unique variations!
Types of Tuna casserole
If you love the taste of tuna, chances are you’ve already indulged in the salty, savory goodness that a tuna casserole can provide. This versatile dish obligingly embraces a variety of ingredients to create a complex balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors. Whether it's kept simple and easily adaptable or downright decadent, there are plenty of options when it comes to crafting a delicious tuna casserole.
For those looking for an easy, breezy entrée, the classic tuna noodle variety is the way to go. The combination of noodles (elbow macaroni is traditional), condensed cream soup, and canned tuna makes a filling meal with minimal effort. (Consider stirring in some frozen peas or diced carrots if you want to add a bit of color and nutrition.) Add a layer of buttery crackers to the top for a crunchy contrast and you’re good to go—it doesn’t get much easier than this.
For something a bit more decadent and rich, consider a tuna casserole with a cheesy sauce. Start by adding a layer of cooked rice (or mashed potatoes) to the bottom of your dish and set aside. In a separate pot, whisk together some butter and flour, then slowly add milk and seasonings until a thick sauce forms. (Cheddar cheese and dijon mustard make good flavor combinations here.) Finally, add your drained tuna and mix everything together before transferring it onto the bed of rice or potatoes. Top with shredded cheese and buttery cracker crumbs and finish off in the oven until golden brown.
Those looking to really bump up the savory factor may want to give a tuna chowder casserole a try. Begin by heating up some butter in a pot and sautéing some diced onion, celery, and garlic until softened. Add in some cubed potatoes and vegetable broth, then let simmer until the potatoes are tender. Once your vegetables are ready, stir in some creamed corn, undiluted condensed cream soup, and drained tuna. Top with a mix of crushed crackers and shredded cheese and bake until golden brown.
No matter what your preference, adding a few extra components to your tuna casserole will always be a surefire way to enhance the flavor and texture. Treat yourself to a comforting, warm bowl of this beloved dish and enjoy!