Pierogi Pasta Casserole and a review of The Huntress

All the flavors and goodness of Pierogi without making, rolling and forming the dough.  This pretend Pierogi recipe was inspired by The Huntress in which one of the protagonists pretends to be Polish.

Let me start off by saying I LOVED this novel as I have loved all of Kate Quinn's novels.  Kate Quinn writes historical fiction which is my genre of choice.  I have previously read The Alice Network and The Rose Code, both of which I loved as well.  However, I really fell in love with all of the characters in The Huntress especially Nina who often made me laugh out loud.

This novel passes back and forth over 3 timelines as World War II ends and the devastation and loss remains strong.  

From the Publisher:

In the aftermath of war, the hunter becomes the hunted . . . Bold, reckless Nina Markova grows up on the icy edge of Soviet Russia, dreaming of flight and fearing nothing. When the tide of war sweeps over her homeland, she gambles everything to join the infamous Night Witches, an all-female night bomber regiment wreaking havoc on Hitler’s eastern front. But when she is downed behind enemy lines and thrown across the path of a lethal Nazi murderess known as the Huntress, Nina must use all her wits to survive.

 

British war correspondent Ian Graham has witnessed the horrors of war from Omaha Beach to the Nuremberg Trials. He abandons journalism after the war to become a Nazi hunter, yet one target eludes him: the Huntress. Fierce, disciplined Ian must join forces with brazen, cocksure Nina, the only witness to escape the Huntress alive. But a shared secret could derail their mission, unless Ian and Nina force themselves to confront it.

 

Seventeen-year-old Jordan McBride grows up in post–World War II Boston, determined despite family opposition to become a photographer. At first delighted when her long-widowed father brings home a fiancée, Jordan grows increasingly disquieted by the soft-spoken German widow who seems to be hiding something. Armed only with her camera and her wits, Jordan delves into her new stepmother’s past and slowly realizes there are mysteries buried deep in her family. But Jordan’s search for the truth may threaten all she holds dear.

I would greatly recommend this novel to any historical fiction buffs out there.  This was my favorite of Kate Quinn's novels thus far.  She has also written historical fiction featuring Ancient Rome and I am anxious to delve into those as well.

 I loved this casserole almost as much as I loved the book.  Kielbasa, Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes stuffed inside large shell pasta and covered with cheese.  What's not to love?!!

This recipe was adapted from my blogging friend Nichole of Cookaholic Wife.  Thanks Nichole for a great recipe.  

Yield: 4 servings

Author: Wendy Klik

Pierogi Pasta Casserole

All the flavors and goodness of Pierogi without making, rolling and forming the dough.

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 45 Min

Ingredients

• 16 jumbo pasta shells, cooked per package directions.
• 2 links fresh kielbasa, casings removed
• 1 c. prepared mashed potatoes
• 1/4 c. sauerkraut
• 1/2 c. shredded 3 blend cheese, divided
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 T. butter
• 1 T. flour
• 1 c. milk
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Cook kielbasa in a skillet over med high heat until browned and crumbly. Place onto a paper towel lined plate and set aside to drain.
2. Combine the potatoes, sauerkraut, and half the shredded cheese in a bowl. Stir in the drained kielbasa, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in the skillet that was used for the kielbasa. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two until lightly browned and nutty smelling. Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer, stirring often, until it starts to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper and pour into an 8" square baking dish that has been treated with cooking spray.
4. Fill the shells with the kielbasa and potato mixture and arrange in the sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese and bake in a preheated 350* oven for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly with the cheese melted on top.

Notes

Adapted from a recipe found at Cookaholic Wife.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

241.97

Fat (grams)

14.97

Sat. Fat (grams)

7.36

Carbs (grams)

17.12

Fiber (grams)

1.54

Net carbs

15.59

Sugar (grams)

3.53

Protein (grams)

10.89

Sodium (milligrams)

428.9

Cholesterol (grams)

36.61

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Homemade Pierogi

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