Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Traditional Food is Cheap #3: Tuna Noodle Casserole

What is traditional American food?  Swiss Steak, Stronganoff, Chicken Enchilada - our traditional American food came from other places.  But isn't Tuna Noodle Casserole uniquely American.  I'd be interested in what you throught about that.  Everyone has their own way to do it.  I personally don't do the cream of goop soup.  Just me.  This is a better way.  But the old original recipe with be much more frugal.  Your choice.

Updated Tuna Noodle Casserole - Serves 6
2 cups pasta of your choice, cooked and drained ($.28 per serving)
1 T. olive oil, pennies
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped, ($.19 per serving) 
2 stalks celery finely chopped ($.06 per serving)
5 or 6 mushrooms, cleaned and quartered ($.22 per serving
1/2 t. salt (less than a penny)
1/2 c. dry white wine ($1.00 per serving)
6 T. AP flour ($.02 per serving)
3 cups milk, fat content of your choice ($.10 per serving)
a couple twices of the pepper grinder (less than a penny)
12 oz can tuna, drained ($.85 per serving)
1 1/2 cup frozen tuscan or California blend vegetables, thawed and drained ($.20 per serving)
1T. Butter ($.05 per serving)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese ($.60 per serving) 
1/2 bread crumbs, Italian flavor (make your own or use Panko if you want)  ($.12 per serving)
$3.31 per serving - More than I thought, but this isn't my mama's tuna casserole.

Cook noodles drain and set aside tossed with a dribble of olive oil to keep the from sticking to themselves.  Saute vegetables in the olive oil until soft and limp.  Add the salt and wine and simmer down until the wine is nearly gone.  Add the flour and stir to combine, then add the milk and stir to make a smooth sauce.  Don't stress out over a couple small lumps.  Add the tuna, pasta, and the vegetables and simmer until everything is hot.  In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.  Toss to combine, then spread them over the tuna mixture and cover with a lid.  Simmer a few additional minutes and serve.   

6 comments:

  1. I think you probably are right. American food has become very "melting pot" incorporating everyone and everywhere, which is tasty to be sure. But some things are pure American and that is also cool.

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  2. Wow very sweet baby and cute smile cute pose and funny movements images I think all over is too good.

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  3. What beautiful smile I love it. Very beautiful photo. thanks for the posting.

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  4. Tuna Noodle Casserole is definitely a favorite in my household and I agree, very American. Thanks for the recipe!

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  5. this is a beautiful smile I love it. Very beautiful photo. thanks for the posting.

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  6. this is a Very beautiful photo. thanks for the posting.

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