Although I didn't grow up in the 50's, 60's or even really the 70's, I am well aware of the famous "Tuna Noodle Casserole" made by Mom's across North America during those decades. While this retro dish doesn't fall under the category "gastronomically innovative", it does conjure up feelings of warmth for adults of a certain age.
One day, while feeling stumped about what to make for dinner, I thought about pasta and tuna and voila...45 minutes later the family was eating my updated version of a tuna noodle casserole (note: I can't eat it as I really dislike warm tuna) and really enjoying it. Now that it's popular in our household, I will often make a pot of it on Sunday and use it for lunches throughout the week.
The February issues of Gourmet and Bon Appetite magazines state that due to recessional times, cooks - professional and home-based - are now returning to comfort foods as an economical way of feeding their guests/families. I hope that this will motivate you to try to bring comfort cooking, and tuna noodle casserole, into the twenty first century. Enjoy!
Oh yeah....while making this batch (the one in the photo) for dinner last week I forgot to add the tuna! Just pretend you see up in the picture.
Mom's Tuna Noodle Casserole
1 box of whole wheat pasta, cooked and drained
3 tbsp of butter
3 tbsp of whole wheat flour
1.5 cups of milk, warmed
1.5 cups of grated white cheddar cheese
1/2 lb of frozen peas
2 cans of tuna
1 tsp grated nutmeg
salt and pepper
~ Melt butter in large skillet over med-high heat. Sprinkle flour over the butter and whisk together until it forms a paste-like consistency. Cook for approx. 1 minute. Add the milk and whisk vigorously until the flour paste has dissolved. Continue whisking as sauce thickens. Once the consistency of the sauce stays the same for a few minutes you can leave it to simmer on the stove.
~ Add nutmeg and cheese to the sauce, combining well. Season with salt and pepper. Add peas and tuna and mix until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Pour sauce into a large mixing bowl, add the pasta and toss until noodles are covered. Serve warm with a side salad.
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