Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole

Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

This Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The combination of tender egg noodles, savory tofu, and flavorful poppy seeds creates a unique and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

This recipe has been adapted from a Southern Living 1990 Annual Recipes cookbook, where it was originally featured. Over the years, it has become a favorite among vegetarians and tofu enthusiasts looking for a hearty and flavorful casserole dish.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz (227 g)) package of medium-size egg noodles, uncooked
0.5 cup of chopped onion
0.25 cup of chopped green pepper
0.25 cup of melted butter or margarine
3 tbsp of all-purpose flour
3 cup of milk
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp of poppy seeds
1 tbsp of salt
0.13 tbsp of red pepper
3 cup of diced cooked tofu
1 (4 oz (113 g)) jar of diced pimento, drained
2 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté the onion and green pepper in butter in a Dutch oven until tender.
Add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
Stir in the noodles, 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, salt, red pepper, and tofu. Add pimento and stir gently.
Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 12- x 8- x 2-inch baking dish. Cover and chill for 8 hours.
To bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Bake, covered, at 350°F (177°C) for 45 minutes.
Uncover and sprinkle with 2 tbsp of cheese. Bake, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Instead of turkey, I use one pound of tofu cut into 1-inch squares (I am a vegetarian).
It does not have to be refrigerated, but the flavors mingle better if it does.
I usually sprinkle more than 2 tbsp of cheese on top.
Source: Southern Living 1990 Annual Recipes, p. 239.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of noodles such as whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option.
Substitute the tofu with cooked chicken or turkey for a meatier version of the casserole.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles according to the package directions and drain them well before adding them to the casserole.

- Sautéing the onion and green pepper in butter adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

- Gradually adding the milk and stirring constantly will help prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.

- Letting the casserole chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious final dish.

- Sprinkling extra cheese on top before baking adds a cheesy and crispy topping to the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onion and green pepper in butter adds flavor to the dish.

- Gradually adding the milk and stirring constantly helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Baking the casserole covered for the first 45 minutes ensures that the noodles cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

- Substitute almond milk or soy milk for the dairy milk for a dairy-free version of the casserole.

- Use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly option.

Make Ahead Tips

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this casserole contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese) and wheat (flour, noodles) allergens.

Summary

This Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. With a creamy sauce, tender noodles, and savory tofu, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. A dear friend of mine had brought this Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole to a potluck dinner, and I couldn't get enough of it. The creamy tofu mixed with the tender noodles and the crunch of the poppy seeds was a perfect combination of flavors and textures. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked my friend for the recipe, but she just smiled and said it was a family secret. Determined to recreate this dish in my own kitchen, I set out on a mission to find a similar recipe. I searched through cookbooks, scoured the internet, and even asked around my community, but no one seemed to have a recipe that matched the one I had tasted.

Frustrated but not defeated, I turned to my trusty collection of recipe cards that I had accumulated over the years. As I flipped through the cards, my eyes landed on a faded, handwritten note from my grandmother. It read: "Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole - passed down from generation to generation."

Excited by this discovery, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions on the recipe card. As I mixed the tofu, noodles, poppy seeds, and other ingredients together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I imagined my grandmother standing in her own kitchen, carefully preparing this dish for her family, just as I was doing now.

The casserole baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. When it was finally done, I took a bite and was transported back in time to that potluck dinner where I first tasted this dish. It was just as delicious as I remembered, if not more so.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a precious gem of a recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations. I made a mental note to write down the recipe on a new card, so that it would always be at my fingertips whenever I wanted to make this dish again.

As I sat down to enjoy the Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment. I had learned the recipe from my grandmother, who had likely learned it from her own grandmother before her. It was a connection to my past, a link to my family history that I would always hold dear.

With a full belly and a happy heart, I decided to share this recipe with my own friends and family. I knew that they would appreciate the flavors and the story behind this dish, just as I had. And so, I passed on the recipe, along with the memories and traditions that came with it.

In the end, I realized that cooking was more than just following a set of instructions. It was about preserving the past, creating new memories, and sharing a piece of yourself with those you love. And with each bite of Tofu-Noodle-Poppy Seed Casserole, I felt a little closer to my grandmother and the long line of cooks who came before me.