Savory Austrian Ham and Noodles Casserole

Ham and Noodles Schinkenfleckerln

🍲 Overview 🍲

Discover the delicious world of traditional Austrian cuisine with this Ham and Noodles Schinkenfleckerln recipe! It’s a delightful one-dish meal perfect for any day of the week. Combining the rich flavors of smoked ham with creamy sour cream and the subtle warmth of caraway seeds, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the detailed, step-by-step process to create this culinary masterpiece.

📅 Preparation and Cooking Time 📅

📝 Ingredients 📝

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer.

• Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business

Get started now and elevate your projects!

• Butter: 8 tablespoons
• Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Eggs: 1 large
• Sour Cream: 2 cups
• Smoked Ham: 1/2 pound, diced
• Caraway Seed: 2 teaspoons
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
• Breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup
• Noodles: 1 package (egg noodles work best)

🍽️ Nutritional Information 🍽️

Each serving of this delectable dish packs quite the punch! Here’s the breakdown per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 459.8 kcal
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12.6 g
• Cholesterol: 196.8 mg
• Sodium: 194.4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 50.2 g
• Fiber: 2.9 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Protein: 13.5 g

🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions 🍴

Let’s embark on this culinary adventure! Follow these detailed steps to create your very own Ham and Noodles Schinkenfleckerln:

1. Prepare the Noodles:

   • Drop your chosen noodles into a large pot of boiling salted water. This initial step is crucial to ensure your noodles are cooked to perfection.
   • Allow the noodles to cook for about 3 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them at this stage as they’ll continue to cook in the oven later.
   • After the 3 minutes, remove the pot from the heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let it stand for about 7 minutes. This process allows the noodles to absorb the flavors of the salted water and become tender without becoming mushy.
   • Drain the noodles thoroughly to remove any excess water.

2. Prepare the Onion and Butter Mixture:

   • While the noodles are resting, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Stir the cooked noodles into the butter and onion mixture. Ensure the noodles are well-coated with the buttery onions for maximum flavor.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until it’s well beaten. Then, mix the beaten egg with the sour cream to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
   • Add the diced smoked ham, caraway seeds, and black pepper to the sour cream mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Prepare a 2-quart casserole dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs into the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This layer of breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
   • Pour the noodle mixture over the breadcrumb layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

5. Bake the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Sprinkle the top of the noodle mixture with a light dusting of paprika. This not only adds color but also a subtle hint of spice.
   • Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 40 minutes. The dish is ready when the top is set and slightly golden.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • You can either serve directly from the casserole dish or unmold it onto a platter for a more elegant presentation.

Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this traditional Austrian dish. Every bite of Ham and Noodles Schinkenfleckerln is a delightful journey through layers of buttery noodles, savory ham, and the perfect hint of caraway. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner. Bon appétit! 🍽️

🥂 Perfect Pairings 🥂

To elevate your dining experience, consider these delightful pairings:

• Wine: A crisp white wine such as a Riesling or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy and savory elements of this dish beautifully.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Bread: Serve with a crusty baguette or a slice of hearty rye bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce.

🌟 Tips and Tricks 🌟

To make the most out of your Ham and Noodles Schinkenfleckerln, here are a few expert tips:

• Cheese Addition: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a handful of grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese to the noodle mixture before baking.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a burst of freshness. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate some sautéed mushrooms or peas into the noodle mixture for added texture and nutrients.

Enjoy crafting this wonderful dish and savor the comfort it brings to your table. Happy cooking! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳