Saturday, March 26, 2011

Tuna orzo casserole

Try though I did, could not find a suitable picture for this. But then, it's just a doggone casserole, right? I really like the mouth feel of properly cooked orzo. I also always cook my orzo in broth. No particular reason, it's just me. I've found that a proportion of 2 parts broth to 1 part orzo works very well. Basically the orzo is done when the liquid has been absorbed. It's a little like making a risotto. Now, I grew up eating tuna noodle casserole made with elbows. I still like that too. I decided to use 2 cans of tuna (small ones), one that was in oil and one in water. Also, scallions are a nice addition for me. I added some peas just because I could. Cook 1 1/2 cups orzo in 3 cups chicken stock. Drain (there won't be much, if any, excess liquid) and set aside to cool slightly. Saute some onion and mushrooms in butter and oil. Season with salt and pepper and onion and garlic powders if you wish. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a medium casserole. Chop 2 scallions, white and green parts please. Open 2- 5 oz. cans of tuna and drain (the kind of tuna is entirely up to you; I had some I got on the cheap). Grate 1 cup parmesan. Run 1 cup frozen peas under warm water to thaw. Put everything into the casserole and toss to combine. Cover and bake 10 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 more minutes. Serve in heated bowls.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Now this is my kind of casserole! I don't need to see a picture to know it was fantastic!! Ok, Chris would think differently, but I didn't ask him, so it's ok :) One of my staple Friday night meals is orzo with tuna...will definitely try it this way next time!

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

Oh Stephen, now this is a tuna noodle casserole I can get behind! I, too, love broth cooked orzo, so flavorful, and I love that there's no gloopy cream of mushroom soup in this. hell I even have 2 cans of tuna (procured on the cheap as well!) in then pantry, neatly tucked next to my box of orzo...hmm me thinks lunch may be this!

Pam said...

I haven't had tuna casserole for years... using orzao is a great idea.

Mary Bergfeld said...

This really sounds great Stephen. I haven't had a tuna casserole yet this year. We are still observing Lenten rules. This will be a perfect dinner for us. Thanks a bunch. Blessings...Mary

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