Drew Barrymore thinks of herself as an “obsessed foodie,” however she nonetheless holds a spot in her coronary heart for homestyle consolation meals. One of her favorites? Her mother’s Tuna Noodle Casserole.
Whenever I convey up this traditional dish, I put together myself for a variety of responses. I used to be a child who cherished tuna sandwiches, so placing this tinned fish in a casserole was effective by me. (I admittedly picked out the peas, although.)
My husband, nonetheless, who hates tuna and peas, has much less fond childhood recollections of this combo. His household’s model was referred to as tuna pea wiggle—as an alternative of baking it with noodles, the creamy sauce was poured over saltine crackers.
Never underestimate the ability of nostalgic meals, although; love them or hate them, one chew brings us proper again to these outdated days. As a child, Drew Barrymore adored her mother’s tackle this casserole—and he or she nonetheless does at present. “The second I taste it, it’s like no time has gone by whatsoever,” she says.
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Why Drew Still Asks for Her Mom’s Tuna Noodle Casserole
In an interview with VogueDrew shares that her mom, Jaid Barrymore, raised her on a largely vegetarian food plan that included fish.
Drew says that after transferring out of her mom’s home when she was 14, it took 20 years earlier than she realized how you can cook dinner for herself. Now, she loves discovering new flavors and making recollections within the kitchen together with her daughters, Olive and Frankie. She additionally printed her first cookbook, Rebel Homemakerin 2021.
When it involves tuna noodle casserole, her mother’s model continues to be her favourite. On an episode of The Drew Barrymore ShowDrew shares that she nonetheless asks her mom to make the dish at any time when they get collectively.
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How To Make Her Mom’s Tuna Noodle Casserole
Drew’s mother’s Tuna Noodle Casserole options all of the traditional pantry staples. There’s a creamy sauce made with milk and canned cream of mushroom soup, which provides numerous umami taste. The sauce is stirred along with cooked egg noodles, canned tuna, and peas, then poured right into a baking dish.
The finest a part of all, I feel, is the topping: a golden, crunchy mixture of breadcrumbs, butter, and fried onions. It’s harking back to the vacation traditional, inexperienced bean casserole, which additionally makes use of cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.
When I took a chew of this hot-from-the-oven casserole—my first style of this dish in a long time—it was simply as Drew described: I felt like I used to be going again in time. It has lots of savory taste from the canned soup and tuna, and the salty crunch of these fried onions on prime provides it nice texture.
Simply Recipes / Nancy Mock
Tips for Making This Casserole
This model of tuna noodle casserole requires egg noodles, however you may also make it with elbow macaroni or rotini. I take advantage of unseasoned panko breadcrumbs within the topping as a result of I discover the coarse texture provides the combination somewhat further crunch.
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you may substitute cream of celery or rooster soup. And in the event you like an extra-saucy casserole, double the quantity of soup and milk.
Keep Drew’s mother’s recipe useful so that you’re prepared the following time the yearning for a heat, comforting casserole strikes. And no matter your emotions are on this old-school recipe, Drew has these phrases of knowledge: “Don’t yuck my yum!”
Simply Recipes / Nancy Mock
