Maybe you didn’t know this either

Andy Warhol, Cream of Mushroom Soup

What the hell is a “hotdish?” Or is it a “hot dish?”

According to Food Network’s website:

What Minnesotans — and some North Dakotans — call hotdish is a type of casserole, although its definition is somewhat narrower. A hotdish must be a main course, and almost always a hearty one that includes a protein, starch and at least some vegetables. It can’t be a breakfast or side dish, for instance.

Some hallmarks of hotdish are reliance on canned or convenience foods, inexpensive proteins… Popular ingredients include potatoes or tater tots, rice, noodles, canned soup (particularly cream of mushroom), ground beef, chicken, green beans, corn and crunchy toppings like chow mein noodles or potato chips. (source)

Huh. Aside from the corn (bleh, substitute black beans for corn), beef and chicken (vegetarian here—sub in tempeh or tofu) it sounds pretty tasty. Okay, I'd totally lose the chow mein noodles and chip toppings too. How about shredded sharp cheddar or a nice grated Parmigiano Reggiano instead?

I saw this Tim Walz untitled recipe (see below) online (from the Harris campaign store page). It has “brats”—I think that’s meat. Sausage maybe? He also has a Turkey Trot Tater Tot Hotdish (see below) and a Turkey Taco Hotdish. I’m totally intrigued by the taco one. Hell, Walz hotdish tacos could be a solid thing.

Bring on the jalapeños and hot sauce!

My only quibble is the Food Network’s stipulation that hotdishes aren’t for breakfast. Oh please. Everything can be a breakfast food. Pizza with scrambled eggs and jalapeños on top? YES! Carrot cake and ice cream? You betcha. Sushi? Of course. Leftover Chinese food? Mais oui. Veggie hotdish? Bring it!