Ham and Mushroom Pasta Bake

This is a slightly healthier version of an Austrian family favourite. The recipe is for four but I think Erich and I could probably finish it, just because it’s so nice!

Portions: 4 adults
Cooking time: 45 minutes

What's in it: Being rich in fiber, protein and Vitamin B, mushrooms help to maintain a healthy metabolism. They are also rich in potassium and copper, a mineral that has cardio-protective properties. Parsley is a rich source of anti-oxidant nutrients, Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene. Meat provides iron, making this a well balanced and healthy family meal.


Ingredients:

• 150g uncooked pasta shapes (twists, shells, bows etc)
• 150g good quality smoked ham, chopped
• ½ leek or 1 onion, finely chopped
• 300g mushrooms, finely chopped
• 4 eggs, separated
• 300ml soured cream
• 100ml milk
• 60-100g natural breadcrumbs
• Butter and breadcrumbs for baking dish
• Salt, pepper
• 1 handful fresh parsley

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C
2. Cook pasta according to pack instructions, strain and wash with cold water.
3. Quickly fry leek and mushrooms in a few drops of olive oil until soft.
4. In a large bowl, mix together egg yolks, soured cream, milk, ham, mushrooms and pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Add breadcrumbs.
5. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and add to the pasta mixture. Add parsley and season again to taste.
6. Pour mixture into a buttered deep oven-prove dish. Bake for about 35 minutes.

Suitable for freezing and re-heating.


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About this blog
This blog is about family cooking. It's important to get together for family meals. Here I'm posting healthy family recipes that kids and adults will love and make cooking for the family more fun. All my family recipes are well balanced and healthy family recipes but they can be tweaked for fussy eaters or spiced up for a more sophisticated adult palate. In addition to the healthy family recipes, I'm publishing some of my knitting and crochet patterns for toddler toys and accessories.