Tuna casserole facts for kids
Tuna casserole just out of the oven
|
|
| Place of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | egg noodles, tuna, peas |
Tuna casserole is a casserole primarily made with pasta (or rice) and canned tuna, with canned peas and corn sometimes added. The dish is often topped with potato chips, corn flakes, bread crumbs or canned fried onions. Tuna casserole is a common dish in some parts of the United States, prepared using only nonperishable pantry ingredients.
History
Casseroles became popular in American households in the 1950s mainly because the ingredients were cheap and easy to find at the supermarket. A can of tuna, a can of vegetables, a can of soup, and a package of egg noodles becomes a prepared family dinner in around half an hour. Tuna casserole can also be frozen or refrigerated and then reheated to be eaten the next day. Tuna casserole is popular to take to potlucks. In small communities, it may be taken to the home of someone who is sick or going through bereavement as a gesture of kindness.
While there are countless variations on tuna casserole, historically it is made with egg noodles, chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, frozen green peas, canned and drained tuna, condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, sliced mushrooms and crushed potato chips. The cooked noodles, onion, cheese, peas, tuna, soup and mushrooms are mixed in a baking dish, with the potato chips and more cheese sprinkled on top, and then baked.
Tuna mornay
Also common in most parts of Australia this casserole is also called tuna mornay and served with a Mornay sauce (Béchamel with cheese added, or cheese sauce). Peas and corn are usually added. Additionally, wheat pasta is used rather than egg noodles.
See also
In Spanish: Tuna casserole para niños
