Mirliton Casserole

Ingredients

• 6 medium mirliton
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2–3 stalks celery
• 1 medium to large green bell pepper
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• to taste parsley
• to taste bread crumbs
• 1 stick butter

Steps

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