Schinkenfleckerln (ham and noodle casserole)

Authentic Austrian Schinkenfleckerln Recipe - Ham and Noodle Casserole

Region / culture: Austria | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45-50 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Schinkenfleckerln, a traditional Austrian dish, is a delicious ham and noodle casserole that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite.

History

Schinkenfleckerln has been a popular dish in Austria for many years. It is often served as a comforting meal during the colder months, and is loved for its hearty and satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

0.25 cup skim milk
1 egg, separated
1 tbsp melted margarine, divided
0.13 tsp pepper
5 oz (142 g) boiled ham, cut into -0.5 inch cubes
1 cup cooked medium-width noodles
1 dash salt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C). In a small mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg yolk, 2.5 tsp of margarine, and the pepper, mixing thoroughly. Add the ham and noodles, and stir well to thoroughly combine. In a separate bowl, beat the egg white with salt until stiff but not dry. Gently fold it into the noodle mixture. Grease a 2-cup casserole dish with the remaining margarine and spoon the noodle mixture into the casserole. Bake until browned on top, for about 45 to 50 minutes. This recipe makes 2 servings. [From the Weight Watchers New International Cookbook].

Variations

Add in some grated cheese for a cheesy twist.
Use different types of ham or add in bacon for extra flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Folding in the beaten egg white will help to give the casserole a light and fluffy texture.

- Feel free to add in extra vegetables or cheese to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Schinkenfleckerln with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole in the oven ensures that the flavors meld together and the top gets nice and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use whole milk instead of skim milk for a richer dish. You can also use butter instead of margarine for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great dish to make for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Schinkenfleckerln in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 this casserole contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Schinkenfleckerln contains around 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 15 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a great source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Schinkenfleckerln is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat. It can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles.

Summary

Overall, Schinkenfleckerln is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Schinkenfleckerln is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its hearty flavors and easy preparation, it is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my friend Helga in her cozy little kitchen in the Austrian countryside. The smell of savory ham and tangy cheese filled the air, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Helga was a wonderful cook, and she had learned the recipe for Schinkenfleckerln from her own grandmother when she was just a little girl. As she showed me how to make the dish, I listened intently, taking notes and asking questions whenever I didn't understand something.

The first step in making Schinkenfleckerln is to make the dough for the noodles. Helga showed me how to mix flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt together until a smooth dough formed. Then, we rolled out the dough and cut it into thin strips, letting them dry while we worked on the rest of the dish.

Next, we diced up some onions and fried them in a pan until they were soft and golden brown. Then, we added in some diced ham and cooked it until it was slightly crispy. The smell of the cooking ham was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Once the ham and onions were cooked, we added in some sour cream, grated cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. The mixture was creamy and cheesy, with the perfect balance of flavors. I could tell that this dish was going to be a hit with my family back home.

Finally, we layered the cooked noodles and ham mixture in a baking dish, sprinkling more cheese on top for good measure. The dish went into the oven to bake until the cheese was bubbly and golden brown, and the noodles were tender.

When the Schinkenfleckerln was finally done, Helga and I sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The dish was rich and comforting, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

As I packed up my things to head home, Helga handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe for Schinkenfleckerln. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and she was happy to share it with me.

I thanked Helga for her generosity and promised to make the dish for my family as soon as I got home. As I drove back through the snowy countryside, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious Schinkenfleckerln waiting for me in my own kitchen.

When I finally arrived home, I wasted no time in getting to work on making the dish for my family. As I rolled out the dough for the noodles and cooked the ham and cheese mixture, I thought back to my time in Helga's kitchen and smiled.

When the Schinkenfleckerln was finally done, I called my family to the table and served them each a generous portion. As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. The dish was a hit, just as I knew it would be.

From that day on, Schinkenfleckerln became a regular fixture on our family's dinner table. I made the dish for special occasions and for everyday meals, and it always received rave reviews from my loved ones.

As I reflect back on that cold winter day in Helga's kitchen, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn such a delicious and comforting recipe. The memories of making Schinkenfleckerln with my dear friend will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish the recipe for years to come.