Because of a order mishap, I got an extra box of produce from Door to Door Organics last week. I'll be getting my regular box tomorrow, so I wanted to use up a bunch of the produce that's taking up room in the fridge. Chicken is the only meat I have in the house right now, so somehow the idea of a chicken and potato casserole came to mind. While reading various recipes online, that idea somehow morphed into the dish below. The only ingredient I did not have onhand was mushrooms, but I had to go to the store anyways, and I'm a huge fan of mushrooms, so it was worth the purchase.
I feel like this recipe was probably a mainstay for 1950s housewives and they would probably laugh at my "discovery". But seriously, this recipe is one of my new favorite standbys simply because of the versatility and substitute-ability... not to mention taste! Already I've thought up about 15 different ways I want to make this next time. Different spices, different veggies, a splash of bacon... you name it, this recipe can take it.
For now, I'll document the "original" and savor the leftovers. Sorry it's not in typical recipe form. It takes me a while to write up a proper recipe, and right now I just want to get this down. I also feel like it's not quite worthy of recipe-format yet. Maybe next time. :-)
The AWESOME Casserole:
Boil 1/3 package of No-Yolk thick egg noodles for 10 min. At 6:00 remaining, add 1/2 head of chopped cauliflower.
Meanwhile, throw 1 cup of frozen peas into strainer and splash with warm water. Chop 2 cloves garlic and 3/4 red bell pepper. Chop 1 chicken breast into cubes. Strain cauliflower and noodles over peas. This will thaw the peas. Cook chicken in pan with olive oil. Set aside.
Add 3tbsp. butter to pan. When melted and bubbly add sliced mushrooms (2/3 package), garlic and pepper. Cook 5-10 minutes. Add 5 tbsp flour and STIR. It WILL look weird. Add 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup soy milk. STIR. Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder and a couple handfuls of baby spinach. Stir to combine. Cook until desired thickness.
Meanwhile, mix up the topping:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped parsley
salt & pepper
2 tbsp melted butter
Add chicken, noodles, peas, cauliflower, and 1/2 cup freshly grated parm. I believe the quality of the cheese is very important here. Save the Kraft for pay-day-eve-spaghetti-night!
Put into greased baking/casserole dish. Add topping. Bake @ 350 for 20-25 minutes. Pour wine and enjoy!!
Pre- topping
Fresh from the oven!
My first plate
Yes, I ate all that.
Close-up food porn shot.
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