Did You Know – Meat Hash
Breakfast hash has been around for centuries and is still enjoyed today, but it was particularly popular during World War II, when meat rationing required home cooks to get creative.
Traditional home-cooked hash was made of “chopped cooked meat” and cooked vegetables (usually potatoes and onions) mixed with broth and fried on the stove.
While it was served at lunch and dinner as well, hash for breakfast was an economical way to use up dinner leftovers and stretch those precious quantities of rationed meat by adding flavorful fillers.
In wartime ads, Armour and Company, the first company to produce canned meat, reminded Americans that “our war needs make it vital now to save every bit of food left over,” and offered a free booklet called “69 Meat Ration Recipes” that included breakfast hash recipes using a variety of fresh and canned meats.
Source: http://www.Historyfacts.com
http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
I didn’t know the history, but, having been born in 1942, I wonder whether I could have had a variation
Very possible Derrick.
Thank you so much!
Leftovers have always been a way to enjoy a different take on a great meal. Also a great way to empty out the fridge!
I agree on both accounts JC! My husband doesn’t usually eat leftovers and that makes some tasty lunches for me!
I love hash and always thought it was a balanced meal! Interesting to learn about its wartime roots!
Thanks Ab!
I made myself corned beef for today, so I will make some corned beef hash with the leftovers, or at least some of them, for breakfast tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder, Diane.
What a fantastic way to use up a whole corned beef Carla!
I had it twice and it was so good, Diane. It was a great way to finish it up.
This was interesting. I didn’t know the origin of hash Diane. My mom occasionally would use left-over roast beef to make roast beef hash, depending on the size of the roast – most times it just went for sandwiches. I used to like the Mary Kitchen Roast Beef Hash. We used to have it with a fried egg on top.
My mom made hash all the time as a kid and it’s not my cup of tea as I don’t care for well done meat. I usually push it aside in the skillet for Terry to scoop up.
Well Terry lucks out then. 🙂
That’s for sure!
Cooks during the World Wars, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, etc. were creative in turning almost nothing into something for their families. We don’t often recognize how good we have it!
That’s for sure! There are so many processed meals that make it easy.
My grandmother used to make meals like that. There could be several different bits of meat in the dish. She never wasted anything. A lot of time, she would make soup with leftovers as well.
That was a great way to survive the hard times. Your grandma was a smart lady! With what we have to pay at the grocery store, I use every thing I can too. I was so mad yesterday when I found a cooked bratwurst that I forgot about. I love them cold the next day but I had to throw it out as it was in the refrigerator for too long.
Wasting food has become unaffordable. I now serve a leftovers meal weekly–you know the kind you get when there isn’t enough of one thing, and I reheat it all and adda salad to round it out.
A leftover meal is always so delicious. I think more and more people will be making meals from leftovers with these prices.
No doubt. We’re having high end leftovers tonight from the restaurant. Coquilles St Jacques.
You’re talking my language! Scallops are one of my favorite seafood dishes to eat!
They were delicious!!
I’m jealous!
LOL