Garden Supper Casserole

Garden Supper Casserole Recipe - A Delicious and Nutritious Meal

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Garden Supper Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines bread, cheese, peas, and pork in a creamy sauce. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

The Garden Supper Casserole recipe has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 cups soft bread, cubed
0.5 cup shredded cheese
5 tbsp margarine or butter, melted
1 cup cooked canned peas, drained
0.5 cup onion, chopped
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
0.5 cup milk
1 cup meat (beef, chicken, or pork), cut up, cooked
1 large tomato, sliced for garnish

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a bowl, mix together bread cubes, cheese, and 2 tbsp of melted margarine.
Spread half of the mixture in a greased 1 qt (946 ml) casserole dish and top with peas.
In a saucepan, cook the onion in 3 tbsp of margarine until tender. Then, blend in flour and seasonings.
Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring until it becomes bubbly.
Remove from heat, add milk, and return to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
Stir in the meat and pour it over the peas.
Arrange tomato slices on top and sprinkle with the remaining bread mixture.
Bake, uncovered, at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes.

Variations

To reduce the fat content: Substitute 2 tbsp of margarine for 5 tablespoons; use low-fat cheese. Include additional vegetables like corn, carrots, broccoli, and lima beans.
Substitute the pork with chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this casserole.
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the onion until tender before adding the flour and seasonings to ensure a smooth and flavorful sauce.

- Be sure to stir the sauce constantly while it is boiling to prevent lumps from forming.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garden Supper Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include baking, sautéing, and making a roux for the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread and flour for a gluten-free version of this casserole.

- Substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

- Use vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegan version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Garden Supper Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Garden Supper Casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Garden Supper Casserole with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for a delightful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Garden Supper Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Garden Supper Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Garden Supper Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Garden Supper Casserole contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Garden Supper Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, milk) and gluten (bread, flour). It may also contain soy (margarine).

Summary

Garden Supper Casserole is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Garden Supper Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With a creamy sauce, tender meat, and crunchy bread topping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Garden Supper Casserole. It was a sunny afternoon in the early 1970s, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, in her cozy little kitchen. Mrs. Jenkins was known throughout our small town for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I had always admired her culinary skills.

As we sat at her kitchen table sipping tea, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and said, "I think you'll love this one, dear. It's a family favorite."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions on the card, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of trying out a new recipe. The Garden Supper Casserole was a hearty and wholesome dish made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a creamy cheese sauce. It sounded absolutely delicious.

Mrs. Jenkins then regaled me with the story behind the recipe. She explained that it had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who was known for her love of gardening and cooking. The recipe was a celebration of the bountiful harvest from her garden, a way to enjoy the fruits of her labor in a comforting and satisfying meal.

I listened intently as Mrs. Jenkins shared her memories of making the Garden Supper Casserole with her own children and grandchildren. She described how the aroma of roasting vegetables filled the kitchen, how the cheese sauce bubbled and melted over the top of the casserole, and how the dish was always met with eager anticipation and satisfied smiles.

Inspired by Mrs. Jenkins' enthusiasm and the rich history behind the recipe, I knew that I had to try making the Garden Supper Casserole myself. I thanked her profusely for sharing the recipe with me and promised to report back with my own feedback.

Back home in my own kitchen, I gathered the ingredients for the Garden Supper Casserole and began the process of chopping, sautéing, and assembling the dish. The fresh vegetables gleamed with vibrant colors, the herbs released their fragrant aromas, and the cheese sauce thickened into a velvety smoothness.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the tantalizing scent of roasted vegetables and melted cheese filled the air, reminding me of Mrs. Jenkins' cozy kitchen and the warmth of her hospitality. When the timer finally beeped, I eagerly pulled the casserole out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese.

I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the flavors of the Garden Supper Casserole. With each bite, I tasted the freshness of the vegetables, the richness of the cheese sauce, and the love and tradition that had gone into creating this dish. It was a true feast for the senses, a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

As I sat at the table enjoying my Garden Supper Casserole, I felt a deep sense of connection to Mrs. Jenkins and her family. I understood now why this recipe had been cherished for generations, why it had brought people together around the dinner table, and why it had become a symbol of love and togetherness.

From that moment on, the Garden Supper Casserole became a regular feature on my own menu. I shared the recipe with my own friends and family, passing on the tradition and the memories that Mrs. Jenkins had shared with me. Each time I made the casserole, I felt a sense of pride and joy in knowing that I was carrying on a legacy of good food and good company.

And so, the Garden Supper Casserole became more than just a recipe to me. It became a symbol of friendship, of tradition, and of the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. Mrs. Jenkins' gift of the recipe had opened up a world of culinary delights and heartfelt connections that I would always treasure. And for that, I am eternally grateful to her and to the power of a good recipe passed down through the generations.