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My kitchen smells amazing today with this true comfort food: potato pasta casserole with peas and ham. It's one of my favorite easy dinner combos that never fails. The creamy sauce and golden cheese topping makes it a family favorite everyone loves.
A Delicious Tale on Your Plate
Many folks don't know this dish has deep roots. From Austria-Hungary to Italy, combining potatoes and pasta has made people happy for generations. It's a timeless classic that stays popular no matter what.
What Goes in My Casserole
- Potatoes: 500g waxy ones, diced up.
- Pasta: 200g penne works best for me.
- Peas: 150g frozen for freshness.
- Cream: 200ml for richness.
- Creme Fraiche: 100g makes it extra velvety.
- Eggs: Two fresh ones to bind everything.
- Ham: 150g diced, skip if you want.
- Cheese: 150g flavorful gouda.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, nutmeg to taste.
How I Make My Bake
- Getting Ready
- Heat oven to 200 degrees, boil salted water.
- The Spuds
- Peel, dice, cook for 9 minutes.
- The Pasta
- Throw in with potatoes, cook about 8 minutes.
- The Sauce
- Mix cream, creme fraiche, eggs, add seasonings.
- The Peas
- Add at the end, let sit briefly.
- Assembly
- Everything in the dish, pour sauce, top with cheese.
- Finishing Touch
- Bake 20 minutes until cheese turns golden.
My Secret for Perfect Texture
Sometimes I want it super creamy, so I add extra cream to the sauce. Other days I like it firm enough to slice, so I stick with the normal amount. Both ways taste great.
Tasty Without Meat Too
For my veggie friends, I just leave out the ham. It tastes just as good with smoked cheese or toasted pine nuts. The options make it fun.
For Serious Cheese Fans
When I'm craving extra cheese, I throw in 125g chunks of mozzarella. When it comes out all melty and stretchy from the oven, that's pure joy. You can't go wrong with more cheese in my kitchen.
What I Serve With It
This casserole is basically a complete meal by itself. Still, I often add a fresh salad or crusty bread for soaking up sauce. That makes the meal just perfect.
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A Family Favorite
My family can't get enough of this dish. Kids love the potato-pasta combo and everyone's happy with the cheese. It's one of those meals where plates always come back empty.
Ideal After a Long Day
On busy days, this casserole saves me. Little effort, big flavor, and everyone leaves full. Just what you need when you want something quick and tasty.
Inspired by Old Traditions
Austrian Grenadiermarsch gave me the idea for this. Something about mixing potatoes and pasta with bacon and onions just works. It's tasty tradition on a plate.
Colorful Veggie Additions
Depending on what's in season, I'll throw in broccoli, carrots or zucchini. It adds color and makes the dish even healthier. You can't go wrong with extra veggies.
A True Comfort Dish
The smooth sauce, crispy cheese, and filling mix of potatoes and pasta just makes you feel good. It's food that makes both body and soul happy.
For Extra Flavor
I sometimes quickly fry the potatoes and pasta in butter before they go in the dish. This adds amazing roasted notes. Small tricks make big differences.
My Spice Variations
I play around with spices based on my mood. Sometimes I add paprika, sometimes cumin or Italian herbs. Each version has its own charm.
Smart Storage
The casserole keeps in the fridge for three days. Cover it well to keep it moist. Warm it in the oven and the top gets crispy again just like day one.
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The Party Hit
This casserole always stars at buffets. Served in small portions, it fits any celebration perfectly. Easy, tasty and loved by everyone.
Smart Meal Prep
On hectic days, this casserole is my lifesaver. I often make a bigger batch and freeze portions. That way I always have good food ready to go.
Works as Vegan Too
Use soy cream, vegan cheese and smoked tofu to make it completely plant-based. It tastes just as good and everyone can enjoy it. Vegan cooking can be this simple.
Leftovers Made Yummy
Yesterday's potatoes or pasta work perfectly in this dish. Add some fresh ingredients and you've got a totally new meal. That's how leftovers become fun.
Just How You Like It
We sometimes swap corn for peas or add extra veggies. This casserole easily adapts to any taste preference. As long as the family enjoys it, that's what matters.
My Crispy Top Secret
A mix of grated parmesan and breadcrumbs makes the top extra crunchy. It's worth the extra step. The smell when it comes out of the oven? Priceless.
With Balkan Twist
I sometimes serve it with ajvar or add paprika to the sauce. This gives the casserole a special touch. A tasty journey to Balkan cooking.
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Fancy Upgrade
For special occasions, I use fancy Gruyère or Pecorino cheese. Fresh herbs on top make it dinner-party worthy. This casserole can impress guests too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Kann ich das Gericht vorbereiten?
Klar, du kannst alles vorbereiten und im Kühlschrank aufbewahren. Beim Backen einfach 10 Minuten länger einplanen.
- → Welche Pasta eignet sich hier?
Kurze Sorten wie Hörnchen, Penne oder Cobbetti funktionieren super. Achte auf eine Kochzeit von 7 bis 8 Minuten.
- → Geht auch anderes Gemüse?
Sicher! Brokkoli, Blumenkohl oder anderes Gemüse nach Wahl klappt auch. Die Kochzeit je nach Gemüse anpassen.
- → Wie wird es extra cremig?
Einfach mehr Crème fraîche nehmen oder Frischkäse untermischen, um die Sauce sämiger zu kriegen.
- → Kann ich das Gericht einfrieren?
Klar, du kannst es portionsweise einfrieren. Zum Aufwärmen 30 Minuten bei 180 Grad in den Ofen geben.