Amish baked noodles with ham is a mouthwatering dish that is popular in Amish communities. This dish combines the hearty flavors of noodles and ham, creating a delicious meal that is both filling and comforting. Unlike most baked noodle dishes, Amish baked noodles with ham typically feature simple ingredients that are easy to find in any supermarket. In this article, we're going to explore everything you need to know about Amish baked noodles with ham recipes.
The history of Amish baked noodles with ham recipes
The Amish are a religious community that is known for its simple lifestyle and traditional values. As part of their beliefs, many Amish families grow and raise their own food, including vegetables, fruits, and livestock. This self-sufficiency has led to a unique culinary culture, with many Amish dishes featuring simple, wholesome ingredients. Amish baked noodles with ham was likely developed as a way to use up leftover ham and noodles, a common occurrence in Amish households where waste is discouraged.
Ingredients
Amish baked noodles with ham typically feature the following ingredients:
- Egg noodles
- Cooked ham
- Milk or cream
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
Preparation
The preparation of Amish baked noodles with ham is relatively simple. Here's an overview of the steps involved:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling, salted water until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the cooked ham into small pieces and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a smooth mixture.
- Slowly add the milk or cream to the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked noodles, chopped ham, and sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all of the ingredients are used up.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
While Amish baked noodles with ham recipes typically feature the same basic ingredients and preparation method, there are many variations you can try to make the dish your own. Here are a few ideas:
Add vegetables
To make the dish more nutritious and flavorful, try adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole. Simply blanch or steam the veggies until they are tender, then layer them in the casserole dish with the noodles, ham, and sauce.
Use a different type of pasta
While egg noodles are traditional in Amish baked noodles with ham, you can experiment with other types of pasta to create a unique dish. Try using fettuccine, penne, or even macaroni for a different texture and flavor.
Try different meats
If you don't have ham on hand, you can substitute it with other types of cooked meat, such as chicken, turkey, or even ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings and sauces accordingly.
Conclusion
Amish baked noodles with ham is a simple, hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With its basic ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a great way to use up leftovers and create a nutritious and delicious meal. Try adding your own twists to the recipe to make it your own, and enjoy the rich flavors and comforting aromas of Amish cuisine.
Amish baked noodles with ham is a classic dish that has been around for a long time. Many families in the Amish community have their own recipe for this dish, and it's a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. In this article, we'll be sharing some valuable tips that will help you make the best Amish baked noodles with ham recipe you've ever had.
Tip #1: Choose the right noodles
One of the most important aspects of any noodle-based dish is choosing the right type of noodle. For Amish baked noodles with ham, it's important to choose a wide, flat noodle that will hold up well during baking. Some great options include egg noodles, pappardelle, or lasagna noodles that have been broken up into smaller pieces. Make sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their texture.
Tip #2: Use high-quality ham
The ham is the star of this dish, so it's important to choose a high-quality ham that will provide a lot of flavor. Many Amish families raise their own pigs and cure their own ham, but if that's not an option for you, look for a locally-sourced ham that has been minimally processed. Avoid pre-packaged or canned ham, as they can contain a lot of added salt and artificial flavors.
Tip #3: Add vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition
While the traditional Amish baked noodles with ham recipe doesn't usually include vegetables, adding some can be a great way to boost the flavor and nutritional content of the dish. Try adding some diced onion, garlic, carrots, or celery to the ham mixture. You could also add some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. This will add extra texture and flavor to the dish and make it more filling.
Tip #4: Use a good quality cheese
Cheese is an important ingredient in Amish baked noodles with ham, as it helps to hold the dish together and adds a lot of flavor. Choose a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda. Shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the dish.
Tip #5: Make a creamy sauce
The sauce is an important part of this dish, as it helps to bind everything together and adds moisture and flavor. To make a creamy sauce, melt some butter in a saucepan and add in some flour to create a roux. Whisk in some milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add in some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices to taste.
Tip #6: Layer the ingredients evenly
When assembling the dish, it's important to layer the ingredients evenly so that each bite contains a bit of everything. Start with a layer of noodles, followed by slices of ham, vegetables (if using), and a sprinkling of cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.
Tip #7: Bake at the right temperature
To ensure that the Amish baked noodles with ham cook evenly, it's important to bake them at the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are cooked through. You can also broil the dish for a few minutes at the end to get a crispy, golden-brown top.
Conclusion
Amish baked noodles with ham is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for colder weather. Following these tips will help you make a dish that's rich and flavorful, with tender noodles, juicy ham, and a creamy sauce. Feel free to customize the recipe to your own tastes by adding extra vegetables, herbs, or spices. Serve alongside some fresh bread or a salad for a complete meal.
