I’m not sure if it is a thing, but I found a ‘Haystack’ Meal in two totally different cookbooks and made two totally different ways ~ and I have enjoyed creating each ‘Haystack Meal’….and oh so tasty too!
…and while typing this blog, with a little more research thru Pinterest, I found quite a few different ‘Haystack’ Meals. I’m thinking it is a thing. You can check them out (here). Each totally different than the other and not quite sure where the name ‘Haystack’ originated or the connection between each meals.
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The first Haystack Casserole we tried was ‘Heifer in a Haystack‘ found in the ‘Simply Happy Cookbook (found here), and Loved it. This whole cookbook is based around family memories and food.
Then we tried ‘Chicken Haystack‘ found in the ‘Joy of Cooking‘ Cookbook by Marian King. We have tried many of Marian’s recipes and each one is now in rotation on our menu. My cookbook is showing some wear and I just love that. You can find Marian’s Cookbook (here). Enjoy our version of the ‘Chicken Haystack Recipe‘ below.
The ‘Haystacks‘ seem to be a layer of this and that ~ with some unexpected ingredients too. This version has some additions and take-aways of my own. Adding in a few homemade ingredients too.
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First gather the ingredients and make the rice with beans and marinated chicken.
We also made our own Chicken Marinate (use your favorite, Marian also has marinates in her Cookbook and a few have been dog-ear’d), Ranch Dressing and Croutons (not shown). ~ We have a few favorite homemade dressings that are our go-to’s, including the Ranch Dressing we used with this recipe.
Then it was a quick assembly once everything was made. Here is a gathering of ‘Haystack Ingredients‘ and the Basmati Rice recipe.
Chicken Haystack
Ingredients
- Marinated Chicken Breast (we used 2 large breasts, use your favorite marinate!) and baked.
- sliced onion (we used red)
- peppers (I did not include peppers), I'm sure any variety will do.
- black bean (we warmed the beans with the rice)
- lettuce ~ (we used a variety of iceburg for crunch, and a spring mxi)
- salsa (we did not use)
- shredded cheese (your favorite!)
- Ranch dressing ~ (we used a homemade recipe)
- make croutons using stale bread! (we used a french loaf, cut into pieces and tossed with olive oil in a pan over low heat)
- we also tossed in a few cherry tomatoes!
For Rice
- 2 tb butter
- 2 tb chopped onion
- 1/2 c Basmati Rice
- 1 c water
- 1/2 tsp All Purpose Greek Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Complete seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- For Rice ~ melt butter in pan and add onion and rice. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add water and remaining ingredients. Cook until water is gone and rice is soft, about 20 minutes or so.
- Assemble your Haystack.
Layer all the ingredients like you would your favorite salad ~ include the rice and beans, and the add-ins too….then top with your favorite dressing and don’t forget the croutons!
All the textures, crunch and flavors blend nicely together ~ enjoy creating this Haystack Meal or any version you create!
enJOY!
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