Grammy's Kielbasa Casserole

This dish was a favorite growing up. I can remember being so excited when my mom would make it. The recipe below is a spin off my mom's old recipe which she got from my Grammy. I don't think she would mind that I made a few changes. For the kielbasa it is best to use one that does not contain nitrates or nitrites. You can find turkey or pork at Trader Joe's. If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, then more than likely a major health food store like Whole Foods would carry a nitrate and nitrite free kielbasa. This can also be made with sliced rutabagas in place of the potatoes if potatoes are restricted from your diet. I love rutabagas. They can be used in any recipe that calls for potatoes. They are very good for you and have antifungal properties. A great option for those fighting candida.

Grammy's Kielbasa Casserole

10 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4" thick
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cups milk
3 Tbsp flour (rice flour for gluten-free)
3 Tbsp butter
12 to 14 oz kielbasa, sliced 1/4" thick and halved
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp dried mustard powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp parsley
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a 3 quart 13 x 9 inch casserole dish. Line the bottom of the casserole dish with a layer of potatoes. Top that layer with half the onion and half the kielbasa. Sprinkle with 2/3 cup of the cheese. Repeat the next layer with potatoes and then follow with the second half of the onion, kielbasa and 2/3 cup cheese. Finish with the final layer being the remaining potatoes and sprinkled with 2/3 cup of cheese. Set aside. See pictures below.

In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Continue to whisk the flour and butter over medium heat for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Continue to whisk the milk while adding the sea salt, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. Once the milk thickens some, remove from the heat, stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese to melt and pour evenly over the casserole. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Serves 8. Serve with a side of cooked broccoli.

Below are layering photos.