Hot Dish, Never Casserole
I probably get at least one question in my comments whenever I refer to "hotdish" as part of menu updates. While I understand to the rest of the world, the blend of a starch, a protein, and a veg with some sort of binder typically is called a casserole, it's just not in Minnesota.
The quintessential Minnesota hotdish is the Tator Tot hotdish. This Facebook post explains it perfectly. I think even if you don't have Facebook, you can use the link. I haven't made it in quite a while. If you're wondering, I use green beans, not corn. I do not line up the tots but a randomized layer. If you Google for recipes and see pictures using both green beans and corn, that's just plain wrong. I guess that's my hotdish line in the sand.
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| Not just a tasty side for a burger... photo pexel.com |
Love this post, and found the Facebook link to be hilarious. Thank you for the fun read!
ReplyDeleteI agree - loved the Facebook post. I live in the land of casseroles though.
DeleteI think it left tge impression that TTH was the only hotdish. There's endless options. A casserole us the physical dish the hotdish is baked in.
DeleteAmericas Test Kitchen made one, and of course fancied it up. They made the binder using milk, cream and fresh mushrooms. They put in mixed vegs, and lined the tots up in neat rows. It looked like no tater tot hotdish I'd ever seen!
ReplyDeleteI've veganized cream of soups fir my daughter in a few recipes.
DeleteLove the article! I’m from the land of casseroles is South Jersey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the read.
DeleteYum, whatever it is called I like it. I have a version of it that has all sort of veggies. I think that's the essential beauty of it - like a pot pie you adapt it to what you have.
ReplyDeleteHotdish means endless possibilities.
DeleteThank you. I'd often wondered whether "hot dish" meant a specific recipe. I too enjoyed the Facebook explanation.
ReplyDeleteEndless combinations of protein, starch, veg, and binder.
DeleteI think we all have made a version of this dish, no matter what it's called.
ReplyDeleteOf course. I just thought this post featured a favorite one from Minnesota but if course, TTH is one of thousand combinations.
DeleteAll has become clear! I like the idea of a dish that travels. I once made the mistake of trying to drive a pan of soup to a church social without spilling it. I managed, but caused quite a convoy of frustrated drvers stuck behind me.
ReplyDeleteTTH ain't going anywhere if you hit a speed bumb or need to swerve!
DeleteThanks for clearing that up, I'd always wondered what a hotdish was! I've noticed that you people across the pond have a great fondness for green beans. I quite like them, but not that much!
ReplyDeleteIve not thought of that, but I suppose you're right. This time of year the fresh are incredible.
DeletePerfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun FB post. The comments were fun to read.
DeleteOver here a casserole is like a stew - usually meat slow cooked with a bit of veg and gravy 😀
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Interesting. I wouldn't have known that.
DeleteThanks for sharing the FB post, I enjoyed reading that. The only casserole I've ever had was a hashbrown casserole. They are just not popular in the three areas I have lived.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on hotdishes as did my kids.
DeleteDefinitely casserole territory here, but I have heard of a hot dish & assumed it was just another name for a casserole. I stand corrected after reading that fun link! :-) - Hawaii Planner
ReplyDeleteOh, it is. Tator Tot Hotdush us just one of endless hotdishes.
DeleteI've seen several recipes over the years for the tator tot casserole, but have not made it myself. It has to be good with tator tots. LOL
ReplyDeleteThat was a good read on the Facebook post, btw.
DeleteIts pure comfort food. The comments were pretty good on the FB post.
DeleteI'm going to have to make your TTH; sounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteIt's pure comfort food and no pretending it's healthy. Its a hug on the table.
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