Coney Island Casserole Recipe - Classic American Comfort Food

Coney Island Casserole

Coney Island Casserole Recipe - Classic American Comfort Food
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Coney Island Casserole
Coney Island Casserole

Coney Island Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of rice, vegetables, pickles, and frankfurters. This casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

History

The origins of Coney Island Casserole are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the classic flavors of a Coney Island hot dog. This casserole takes those flavors and transforms them into a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to please.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Combine rice, celery, onion, green pepper, relish, and frankfurters.
  2. Blend mayonnaise and mustard. Pour over rice mixture and toss lightly.
  3. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Turn into a buttered shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole.
  5. Cover and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes.

Variations

  • Add a can of diced tomatoes for a more saucy casserole.
  • Use different types of pickles, such as dill or bread and butter, for a unique flavor.
  • Substitute the frankfurters with cooked ground beef or turkey for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- For a healthier version, you can use turkey or chicken frankfurters instead of beef.

- Make sure to mix the mayonnaise and mustard well before pouring over the rice mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Coney Island Casserole hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.

- Use vegetarian or vegan frankfurters for a meat-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Coney Island Casserole with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 4%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Soy

Summary

Coney Island Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Coney Island Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this casserole is a nutritious and delicious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Coney Island Casserole. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I stumbled upon while rummaging through my grandmother's attic. The faded pages and delicate print hinted at its age, and I couldn't resist the urge to give it a try.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of my grandmother's kitchen and the delicious meals she used to prepare. She was a master of comfort food, and I could almost smell the savory aroma of her cooking as I imagined recreating her Coney Island Casserole.

I decided to make the dish for my family that evening, eager to see if it would live up to my nostalgic expectations. I gathered the ingredients - ground beef, onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of brown sugar - and got to work in the kitchen.

As I browned the beef and sautéed the vegetables, the rich aroma filled the air, just like it had in my grandmother's kitchen all those years ago. I added the sauces and seasonings, letting the flavors meld together as the casserole bubbled away in the oven.

When I finally pulled the dish out of the oven, the golden cheese on top bubbled and melted, beckoning us to dig in. As we sat down to eat, the first bite brought back a flood of memories. The flavors were just as I remembered - hearty and comforting, with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar.

My family devoured the casserole, each bite bringing us closer to the past and the generations of strong, nurturing women who had passed down their recipes to me. I felt a sense of pride in carrying on their legacy, preserving these family traditions through the simple act of cooking a meal.

In the days that followed, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, eager to spread the joy and comfort that this dish had brought to my own family. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and all the women who had come before me, their love and care infused in every bite.

As the years went by, the Coney Island Casserole became a staple in my own kitchen, a beloved recipe that I would pass down to my children and grandchildren one day. It was more than just a dish - it was a piece of my family's history, a link to the past that brought us together around the dinner table.

And so, as I sit here now, recalling the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of women who came before me, their wisdom and love guiding me as I continue to cook and create in the kitchen. The Coney Island Casserole will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our roots and nourish both body and soul.

Categories

| American Recipes | Casserole Recipes | Frankfurter Recipes | Main Dish Meat Recipes | Rice Recipes |

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