New Tuna Casserole

Amarante

Wed, Oct 28 2015, 6:28 am

This is only a bit more work than a dump and bake version but much better. Good for adults and kids would like. A plus is the green beans.

New Tuna Casserole

Source: Editors of Southern Living Magazine. “One-Dish Wonders.

Serves 8

Mom’s old standby tuna casserole goes gourmet with the simple addition of mushrooms, fresh herbs, and haricot verts.

1 (16-oz.) package uncooked ziti pasta
2 medium leeks, sliced
1 (8-oz.) package haricots verts (French green beans), cut into 1-inch pieces
6 Tbsp. butter, divided
2 (4-oz.) packages fresh gourmet mushroom blend
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup organic vegetable broth
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
6 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 (12-oz.) can solid white tuna in spring water, drained
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon or parsley
1/4 cup crushed potato chips
1/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 Tbsp. butter, melted
Garnish: sliced fresh chives

1.Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions.

2.Remove and discard root ends and dark green tops of leeks. Cut in half lengthwise, and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove grit and sand. Thinly slice leeks.

3.Meanwhile, cook green beans in boiling salted water to cover 30 seconds to 1 minute or until crisp-tender; drain. Plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process; drain.

4.Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks, and sauté 2 minutes; add mushrooms, and sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer leek mixture to a small bowl. Wipe skillet clean.

5.Melt remaining 4 Tbsp. butter in skillet over medium heat; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in cream and broth. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low; gradually whisk in Cheddar cheese and 4 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper.

6.Stir cream mixture into pasta. Stir in tuna, next 2 ingredients, green beans, and leek mixture; transfer to a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

7.Stir together potato chips, next 2 ingredients, and remaining 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese in a small bowl; sprinkle over pasta mixture.

8.Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.