Cookbook:Mirliton Casserole

Mirliton Casserole
Category	Casserole recipes
Servings	4–6
Time	Prep: 30–45 minutes Baking: 15–30 minutes
Difficulty

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Mirliton casserole is a easy dish that works well as a side vegetable. It can be made with either seafood or meat, though it is most commonly made with shrimp or ground beef.

Ingredients

• 6 medium mirliton (chayote squash), halved lengthwise
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2–3 stalks celery, sliced or diced
• 1 medium to large green bell pepper, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (500 g) whole shrimp, peeled OR ½ lb (250 g) ground beef (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley
• Bread crumbs
• 1 stick (½ cup / 113 g) butter (olive oil may be substituted)

Procedure

1. Place mirliton halves seed-side up in a microwave- or oven-safe dish with approximately 1 inch (2.5cm) of water in the dish. Cover with foil (for oven) or plastic wrap (for microwave) and cook in oven (350°F/175°C) or microwave (high at 10 minute intervals) until mirliton are soft enough to stick a fork or knife through easily. Allow mirliton to cool enough to be handled and dice into large pieces.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in butter over medium heat, adding garlic to sauté just before onion, celery, and garlic are fully softened.
3. Add shrimp or beef to pan until beef is lightly browned or until shrimp is just turning pink. Skip this step if you aren't adding meat.
4. Incorporate mirliton and bay leaf and allow to simmer for 5–10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, and parsley to taste. Pour mixture into a casserole dish and cover with bread crumbs.
6. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the mirliton is bubbling and the bread crumbs are browned.