Casseroles are one-pot comfort recipes which are easy to prepare, since it often involves assembling ingredients in a dish and baking to the desired consistency. This also makes them conveinient meals for busy days or when the time spent in the kitchen must be a bare minimum to fix a meal. The versatility of these dishes are perfect for feeding a family or a large group of people. Yielding generous portions and ideal for preparing meals in advance, casseroles are a complete meal in one dish, combining proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables. Their simplicity and comforting appeal during colder months makes them excellent meal option to prep or even enjoy as leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Chicken & Rice Casserole
Need a creative way to use up leftovers and create something novel for your family? This chicken and rice casserole is the perfect dish to throw together on a busy weeknight. Shreds of cooked chicken, rice, onions and garlic cooked with butter and spices; as well as topped off with freshly grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese, is a fun weekend treat to enjoy with your family. Serve it warm with a fresh and citrusy salad on the side to make a balanced and wholesome meal.
Shepherd’s Pie
A savoury English-style pie topped with mashed potatoes, the shepher’s pie is traditionally made with minced mutton and vegetables. A complete meal in one dish that consists of mildly spiced mutton mince, lush with aromatics, the complex flavours and fattiness of the meat works well with the nursery mashed potato topping that holds subtle notes of nutmeg and dried ginger.
Vegetable-Lentil Casserole
Packed with lentils, vegetables and flavourful spices, this hearty vegetarian casserole is a desi twist on the western classic – making it both, nutritious and comforting. Think of a baked dal-khichdi loaded with vegetables and a golden-brown crust that contributes immense texture. Use brown or white rice, along with lentils and fresh winter vegetables or leafy greens of your choice to make this a seasonal and hyperlocal recipe.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
A pantry casserole recipe that’s easy to prepare for when you have the bare minimum ingredients in the fridge, this tuna noodle casserole works well with canned tuna, pasta or orzo, a creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. This comforting winter recipe can also be made by using minced shrimp or crab, as a replacement for canned tuna; and topped up with spring onions, olives and chilli flakes for added flavour.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Creamy, cheesy and oh-so-indulgent, baked macaroni and cheese is a kid-friendly treat that never fails to warm the soul. Customize it with different cheese blends for a variation in cheese flavour and top up with seasoned panko breadcrumbs or an activated seed mix, if you want to amplify its nutritional value.
Vegetable Pot Pie
Loaded with winter veggies like carrots, peas, cauliflower and potatoes, this casserole, topped with a flaky pastry crust, is a veggie-filled delight for cold evenings. A great option to use up smaller portions or vegetable scraps lying around in the fridge, the pot pie filling can also feature mushrooms and tofu for added flavour and protein value. Serve the pot pie straight out of the oven while still hot and enjoy with a bowl of soup on the side.