Cascasoon

Johnny West

Well-known member
This has been called Jewish mac and cheese, and a comfort food. We like it a lot and will do it again soon.

Cascasoon

Acini De Pepe (or Israeli Cous Cous) with Butter and Chickpeas

1 onion chopped (about 1/2 cup) (I used a 1 cup.)

1/4 cup vegetable oil (I used 3 T. olive oil)

One 16 ounce package of Acini De Pepe
(pepper corn-size pasta)
or Israeli couscous

3/4 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight - I use a cup.
or for 6-8 hours and drained, or one 15 1/2 ounce
can chickpeas drained

1 1/2 T salt (I used a teaspoon.)

1/4 cup butter cut into pats

1/2 pound Muenster cheese, grated (optional) ---- a must!

1. In a medium saucepan, saute the onion in the vegetable oil
over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, or until translucent. Add the
acini de pepe until the pasta turns brown - 4 to 5 minutes.

2. Add the chickpeas, salt, and 3.5 cups water. Bring to boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes.

3. When the water is absorbed, add the pats of butter and toss gently.
If you like, you can pour the cascasoon into a baking dish and top with
cheese. Then bake, uncovered in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F.
for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Sauté the onions in oil

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Toast the pasta

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Add the beans and water and cook....

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QSis

Grill Master
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
I am SO making this!

Never heard of that pasta before, but it's going to be one of my favorites!

Lee
 

Johnny West

Well-known member
You shouldn't have a problem finding Acini de Pepe in Boston. Barilla makes it but only a few stores carry it here. Israeli cous cous is easier to find, I've found.
 

Johnny West

Well-known member
I did this this evening. I should have topped with more cheese.
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QSis

Grill Master
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
I'm glad you bumped this up, John, as I'd forgotten about it.

As it happens, I just recently bought my first box of Acini de Pepe pasta to put in my Italian Wedding Soup. Good stuff! Never gets soggy!

Lee
 

Johnny West

Well-known member
I like the pasta and dish a lot.

I have to make soup for 40, soon, and will look into the wedding soup.
 

lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
I use Acini De Pepe (little pasta balls) to make Italian Sweet Pie for Easter. I have cooked pastina and added butter and cheddar cheese for a quick easy on the tummy meal. Will have to try Acini De Pepe and cheese.
 

Johnny West

Well-known member
I'm not a big fan of garbanzo beans but they are good in this pot.

I use less oil - olive oil, more onions, and more cheese next time.
 

Johnny West

Well-known member
I made this the other night as I knew Peter would be stopping by after work.

I used Goya beans and they appeared to be a quality bean. I also used acini de pepe this time and it was excellent. The chase I bought in slices so just topped the dish with them instead of the shred.
#Cscasoon.jpg
#cascasoon II.jpg
#Cascasoon MS.jpg
 
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QSis

Grill Master
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
Oh, forgot about this - looks fantastic!

Chase is a type of cheese?

Lee
 

Johnny West

Well-known member
I really need to proof read better - this new computer is horrible with spell check and my tying ability. Chase = cheese and the cheese is munster.
 

ChowderMan

Pizza Chef
Super Site Supporter
wellll,,, I need to concoct something for the cheesy end - luv' muenster but my low fat diet won't take it ...

dunno - pureed cottage cheese?
 

QSis

Grill Master
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
I'm putting this in my Friday-nights-during Lent folder.

Lee
 

QSis

Grill Master
Staff member
Gold Site Supporter
Oh. My. God! Talk about comfort food!

This buttery, cheesy, rich goodness is the ultimate! I almost went back for another helping, but I resisted. (taking some for lunch tomorrow)

I made it just the way you do, John, except I added some garlic powder when I added the butter.

Spectacular! :blob_blue:

And the fact that it's a one-pot meal makes it even more of a superstar!

Lee

Before cheesing

Cascasoon 1.JPG


After cheesing

Cascasoon 3.JPG


Plated

Cascasoon 3.JPG
Cascasoon 1.JPG
 
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lilbopeep

🌹🐰 Still trying to get it right.
Site Supporter
Oh. My. God! Talk about comfort food!

This buttery, cheesy, rich goodness is the ultimate! I almost went back for another helping, but I resisted. (taking some for lunch tomorrow)

I made it just the way you do, John, except I added some garlic powder when I added the butter.

Spectacular! :blob_blue:

And the fact that it's a one-pot meal makes it even more of a superstar!

Lee

Before cheesing

View attachment 30755


After cheesing

View attachment 30756

Plated

View attachment 30757

You used muenster?
 
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