The History of SALISBURY STEAK and my favorite recipe for it ~ BLOG 366.191

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a plate of classic home cooked scratch made Salisbury Steak, with the favorite stick-to-your-ribs side dishes like glazed carrots, and mashed potatoes with thick beef gravy poured on top – a throwback to TV dinners, but oh so much better, on the table quickly and completely family friendly. 

Salisbury steak originates in the United States and is made from a blend of ground beef and ground pork with onions and seasonings and is considered a version of Hamburg steak.

The Interesting History Behind Satisfying Salisbury Steak as per MIAMI BEEF

“A Close Cousin to the Hamburger – Like the name implies, we have Hamburg Germany to thank for the popularization of the hamburger patty. In the late 19th century, sailors from German brought the delicious meal to the Port of New York, where the minced beef was smoked, lightly salted and then served along with onions and breadcrumbs as a quick hearty meal. In 1873, historians say that you could buy a plate of Hamburg steak with all the toppings for about 11 cents.

Today, some people wince at the idea of having a hamburger for breakfast, but the truth is that in the late 1800’s it was the protein of choice to start your day. In fact, it was such a popular health food, that hospitals even served it to patients raw or slightly cooked, with a raw egg. Which doesn’t sound appetizing compared to our contemporary tastes, but it was a vitamin and protein rich meal at a time when proteins were both expensive to purchase, as well as difficult and time consuming to cook.

Why Is It Called ‘Salisbury Steak’ and Who Is It Named After? Did you know that Salisbury Steak got its start as a famous food in America, when it was used as stand-by high-protein meals for soldiers during the American Civil War? It makes sense, when you think about it, because of the nutritional content of the meat and the fast preparation time. Not to mention that for American soldiers fighting through cold weather, it was a taste of home and comfort food during some pretty difficult conditions.

A physician named Dr. James Henry Salisbury was an early dietician and studied gastrointestinal health, digestion and nutrition in the mid 1800s. One of the most serious threats to American soldiers during the Civil War was wasting, due to malnutrition, and symptoms of chronic diarrhea. Dr. Salisbury was convinced that while other types of food like soup and bread, and some fruits and vegetables were provided to the soldiers, it was really protein (and specifically beef) that they needed to stay healthy.

The challenge was cooking and preparing meat for the troops, as well as the increased costs of providing high-protein meals for them. Toward the middle and end of the American Civil War, soldiers were looting communities in search of food, given the shortage of funds to supply the advancing soldiers (on both sides).
Soldiers were traditionally provided with ‘soldier biscuits’ which were dried, and which contained some fortified vegetable and fruits, but the high yeast content and the low protein content of the biscuits began to create disease. Wounded soldiers that were nutritionally famished, didn’t heal quickly to return to active duty, and the Northern and Southern American armies were forced to start addressing the nutrition they provided to their troops (or lose the war).

During the American Civil War, Dr. Salisbury tested his theory by providing “chopped beef” which was a little easier to digest for soldiers than root vegetables and other protein sources. After the war, he wrote a book called “The Relation of Alimentation and Disease” which could be one of the first real diet trending publications, that helped people understand the link between health and a balanced diet, which included animal proteins rich in B vitamins.

Dr. James Henry Salisbury was also one of the first physicians to indicate that animal fats were necessary for metabolic health; something that contemporary nutritionists have embraced again, after a long-time social moratorium on animal fats.

American Quality Standards for Salisbury Steak – Salisbury steak as a product, can be a mix of different proteins. Per the United States Department of Agriculture standards, Salisbury steak must have a minimum meat content of 65%, and up to 25% of that can be derived from pork. If the pork meat is de-fatted, the limit is 12% pork meat in the constitution of the Salisbury steak. No more than 30% of the Salisbury steak can be fat.

Extenders or fillers can be used in Salisbury steak, which also help to reduce the cooking time in this fast-preparation protein, however meat by-products are not permitted. Extenders may include bread crumbs, flour or oat flakes, but the limit for approved fillers is not to exceed 12% of the product volume. Soy proteins may be added but are limited to 6.8% or less by finished product volume.

The rest is a proprietary blend that depends on the processor, and that is where much of the flavor is unique and innovated to specification for commercial clients. Special seasonings, and the addition of fresh vegetables such as onion, mushrooms or sweet peppers may be added, along with binding ingredients such as eggs, cream, buttermilk, water, vinegar or brine.

To be labeled as Salisbury steak, the product must be completely cooked. It may not be called “hamburger patties” if it contains a blend of animal proteins and fats. So, while you may think a Salisbury steak is just a burger with gravy on it, there is a distinctly different recipe and food standards behind it. Most of the standards mentioned apply only to Salisbury steak produced in USDA Inspected meat processing facilities; other products may not carry the USDA inspection label. Salisbury steak must be pre-cooked prior to being frozen, or the product label must state “Patties for Salisbury Steak”.

Add Salisbury Steak to Your Menu – The classic flavors of tender beef, or a blend of pork and beef is rich and satisfying. When combined with the American favorite side-dish of mashed potatoes and gravy? You have the perfect comfort food, and Salisbury steak fits on just about any scratch or fast-casual menu. It is also popular for pubs and bars, as an economical lunch special.”

SALISBURY STEAK

STEAKS
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
LARGE egg , beaten
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon avocado oil

  • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the steaks except the oil until combined, but do not overwork.
  • Shape the mixture into equal oval patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, warm the oil over medium+ heat; add the steaks and cook 2-3 minutes per side until you have a nice golden crust.
  • Transfer to a plate.

GRAVY
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1 1/2 cups beef stock
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
6 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
FRESH ground sea salt and pepper, to taste

  • Reduce the heat to medium in the skillet.
  • Add the butter to the drippings.
  • Whisk in flour until combined and lump free.

  • Reduce heat to medium-low and add in the beef stock, whisking well.
  • Add in the ketchup, Worcestershire, onion powder, whisking to combine.

  • Add in the mushrooms, simmering for 4-5 minutes to thicken.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

  • Add the partially cooked steaks back to the skillet and nestle into the gravy; cover and cook another 10 minutes until cooked through.
  • Serve steaks with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy drizzled on top.

HONEY THYME PORK TENDERLOIN & CARROTS ~ BLOG 366.172

HONEY THYME PORK TENDERLOIN & CARROTS
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2-3 pounds pork tenderloin

1 clove garlic, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon FRESH lemon thyme
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1/2-3/4 cup homemade chicken bone broth
1+1+1 tablespoons butter
4-6 LARGE carrots, rustic cut

  • Preheat oven to 450°.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter and coat carrot pieces.
  • Arrange carrots on a sheet pan, generously seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Roast carrots 20 minutes until crisp tender.
  • Pat pork dry and generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Heat oil and 1 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
  • Add pork brown all over 6-8 minutes. DO NOT CLEAN OUT SKILLET!
  • Move carrots to one side of pan and add pork tenderloin to sheet pan.
  • Roast another 8-12 minutes until pork is cooked through.
  • While pork is roasting make the sauce. Using the skillet remains heat and add the garlic and thyme.
  • Whisk together the honey and chicken stock.
  • Add to skillet, simmering 3-4 minutes and scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Whisk in butter and season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • If sauce is too thick add a splash or two more of chicken stock or water.
  • Let pork rest 2-3 minutes before slicing.

PAN FRIED PORK CHOPS with BACON SOUR CREAM SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.159

PAN FRIED PORK CHOPS with BACON SOUR CREAM SAUCE
4 slices bacon, diced
4 boneless pork tenderloin chops
1/2 cup AP flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon paprika
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 shallot, diced
2 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter

  • Saute bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper toweling.
  • Season flour and cornstarch with paprika, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Add butter and avocado oil to the skillet.
  • Add onions, sauteing 2-3 minutes.
  • Add garlic, sauteing another minute.
  • Arrange onions and garlic around the edge of the pan.
  • Dredge pork chops in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  • Add pork chops to pan, frying on each side 4-5 minutes (based on chop thickness) until cooked through.

SAUCE
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup chicken bone broth
1 teaspoon FRESH lemon thyme leaves

  • Plate chops and keep warm.
  • Add broth and thyme leaves to skillet, heating through.
  • Whisk in cornstarch, simmering until sauce begins to thicken.
  • Turn off heat and whisk in sour cream.
  • Fold in bacon pieces.
  • Serve cream over chops.

BBQ BEEF PATTIES & ASPARAGUS RICE ~ BLOG 366.156

I found both of these recipes in one of the several old recipe boxes I found during a recent antique store expedition. They were quite good, after bringing them forward 50 years or so 😀

BBQ BEEF PATTIES

BEEF PATTIES
1 cup bread crumbs
1 1/2 cup whole milk
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound LEAN ground beef
1/4 pound QUALITY ground pork

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • In a large bowl pour milk over bread crumbs and let set 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic, onion, beef, pork and Worcestershire, minimally mixing until well blended.
  • Shape into 6 patties and place in large baking dish.
  • Pour sauce AROUND the patties.
  • Bake uncovered 45 minutes.

SAUCE
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup jalapeño ketchup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped green onion

  • Combine all the ingredients in a small sauce pan, stirring to blend.
  • Heat until sugar is dissolved and sauce is heated through, but do NOT boil.

ASPARAGUS RICE PILAF

1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
3 1/4 cups homemade chicken broth
3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
3-4 LARGE green onions, minced
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1/2 cup FRESHLY grated Parmesan cheese
FRESH thyme leaves

  • Blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse in cold water until cool.
  • Cut spears into small bite size pieces.
  • Melt butter over medium heat in sauté pan.
  • Add onion, sautéing until softened.
  • Add rice, thyme leaves, FRESH ground salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and moisture is completely absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and fold in asparagus and Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately.

SLOW COOKED HAWAIIAN BBQ RIBS ~ BLOG 366.131

SLOW COOKED HAWAIIAN BBQ RIBS adapted from Food Network

Hawaiian barbecue is known for a fairly sweet almost teriyaki like flavor.

2 small racks baby back ribs (1 1/2 – 2 pounds each), cut in half
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2-3 tablespoons ancho chile powder
2/3 cup teriyaki-style barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/4 cup pineapple preserves
1 SMALL can crushed pineapple
2 tablespoons jalapeno ketchup
2 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle

  • Generously season the ribs with salt and pepper, then rub with the vegetable oil and sprinkle with the chile powder, pressing to adhere.
  • Whisk 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, the vinegar, ginger and garlic together.
  • Spread mixture into the bottom of an 8 quart slow cooker.
  • Add the ribs and turn to coat each rack in the sauce.
  • Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours until the ribs are tender.
  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Transfer the ribs to a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Remove 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid to a small bowl and whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, the pineapple preserves and ketchup. 
  • Brush the pineapple sauce all over the ribs to coat completely; arrange bone-side down.
  • Broil until the sauce is sticky and the ribs are lightly charred in spots, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Top with the scallions. 

HAM & POTATO SOUP ~ BLOG 366.88

HAM & POTATO SOUP
1 3/4 pounds golden potatoes, peeled and large diced
1 stalk celery, diced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
3 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups WHOLE milk
2 cups diced cooked ham steak
FRESH chopped Italian parsley
Shredded cheese (optional)

  • In a stock pot stir together the broth, potatoes, celery and onions.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium low and cook 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
  • Stir in seasoning, to taste.
  • In another pan melt butter.
  • Whisk in flour, stirring constantly until flour is smooth and golden.
  • Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
  • Add in stock mixture, stirring until blended.
  • Add ham pieces and simmer 4-5 minutes.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish. enjoy

CHEESY MEATBALLS ~ BLOG 366.72

CHEESY MEATBALLS ala SLOW COOKER

1 LARGE egg
1/2 cup WHOLE milk
2 tablespoons minced dried onion
4 tablespoons chili powder, divided 2 + 2
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed FINE
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound ground pork sausage
2 cups shredded Velveeta
2 cans Progresso Tomato Basil soup
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the egg, milk, minced onion, 2 tablespoons chili powder, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper until well blended.
  • Stir in crackers until evenly mixed.
  • Add beef, sausage and cheese, mixing gently, but thoroughly.
  • Shape mixture into 1 inch balls and place on greased baking sheet.
  • Bake 15-18 minutes until browned.

 

  • Combine soup, broth, brown sugar and remaining chili powder in a slow cooker until well blended.
  • Gently fold in meatballs.
  • Cook 2-3 hours covered on low until meatballs are cooked through and coated well in cheese sauce.
  • Serve with pasta of choice.

ALMOND CRUSTED CHOPS with CIDER SAUCE ~ BLOG 366.67

ALMOND CRUSTED CHOPS with CIDER SAUCE
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, FINELY ground
1/2 cup ground almonds
1/3 cup AP flour
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
4 thick boneless pork chops
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup apple cider
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon QUALITY honey

  • Combine the bread crumbs and almonds in a shallow bowl.
  • In a second shallow bowl combine the flour, salt and pepper until well blended.
  • In a third shallow bowl add the beaten eggs.
  • In a LARGE (so you don’t crowd the chops) skillet melt the avocado oil and butter together.
  • Dip each chop into the flour, then the eggs and finally the Panko mixture. shaking off the excess after each dip.
  • Add to hot oil. Cook chops 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove chops to a plate and keep warm.
  • Discard oil.
  • Add apple cider to the same skillet and warm.
  • Add cream cheese cubes and honey, blending until smooth.
  • Adjust seasoning.
  • Serve over chops.

AUTUMN CASSOULET ~ COOKING THURSDAY ~ BLOG 365.285

Is it a soup or is it a stew? The French call it a casserole. Whatever you call it, it is a hearty warm dish for a cool fall evening!

AUTUMN CASSOULET

3 tablespoons butter or avocado oil
1 pound beef kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 pound stew meat (or pork pieces, or chicken – it’s up to you)
1 small red onion, diced
2 medium carrots, small diced
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 cans petite diced tomatoes
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cans navy beans, drained and rinsed

  • Melt butter in saute pan.
  • Add onions and carrots. Simmer 3-5 minutes.
  • Generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper and add garlic.
  • Add stew meat and kielbasa pieces, stirring well and simmering another 5 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
  • Add chicken broth, beans and tomatoes with juice. Simmer 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Serve over mashed potatoes or as a soupy stew.

NOTE: If you prefer a thicker stew like consistency, use a 3rd can of beans, but drain them well and run them through a food processor with a 1/4 cup of the broth making a paste. Add this paste along with the beans and tomatoes.

SLOW COOKER HATCH CHILE BBQ RIBS ~ BLOG 365.237

SLOW COOKER HATCH CHILE BBQ RIBS

The best part of this slow cooker recipe is that it does all the work! All you have to do is come home to a prepared dinner of sticky, fall apart, melt-in-your-mouth incredible ribs!

2 cups barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup diced FRESH roasted Hatch chiles
4 pounds baby back pork ribs
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Spray inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
  • Remove and discard the inner membrane from the ribs and cut into slabs that will fit into your slow cooker.
  • Generously season the ribs with a good amount of salt and pepper.
  • Combine BBQ sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and chiles in a small bowl, mixing well to combine.
  • Completely cover the ribs with half of the sauce. 

  • Cover with lid and cook on low setting for 7-9 hours or high setting for 3-5 hours (see notes).
  • Refrigerate remaining sauce to use later.

  • When ribs are tender and falling apart, transfer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Lift them carefully as the meat will be very tender and falling off the bone). 

  • Pour half of the juices from the slow cooker bowl into the remaining sauce.
  • Baste ribs with half of the sauce and broil in preheated oven at 400° for 5-10 minutes or until beginning to char and crisp on the edges. 

  • Serve ribs with remaining sauce.


NOTES:

  • Cook times seriously depend on the desired results you are looking for:
  • Ribs that are soft but stay on the bone = LOW: 5-6 HOURS / HIGH: 3 HOURS.
  • Tender, fall apart ribs that melt in your mouth like butter = LOW: 7-8 HOURS / HIGH: 4-5 HOURS.

HATCH CHILES are my favorite green chile. They are similar to their cousin the Anaheim green chile, but is specific to the Hatch Valley in southern New Mexico. Hatch chiles only come from Hatch, New Mexico. The HATCH green chile is especially popular throughout all of New Mexico, as well as Texas and Southern California.

They have a balanced, smoky heat that enhances both savory and sweet dishes. You can buy a canned version of roasted Hatch chiles, but nothing beats a FRESH roasted one. August and September are the BEST times to find them.

True Parmesan cheese only comes from the Reggio Emilia and Parma region, champagne only comes from the champagne wine region of France and similarily Hatch chiles from the Hatch Valley are like grapes coming from the Napa Valley.

Hatch chiles are extremely versatile. I add them to stews, sauces, dips, dressings, salsa and even desserts. Some of my favorite sandwich cookies in the world (Sweet Lime chile) come from the HEB grocery chain in Texas. Try adding some FRESH roasted chopped chiles to your apple pie or on top of a burger or your slice of pizza.

Green and red Hatch chiles are the same pepper just picked at different times. They do each offer distinct flavors though. I LOVE them best in August when they offer a smoky flavor. But, in September when the turn red they offer a sweeter flavor better suited for the sweeter recipes.

Right now there is a local food truck specializing in Roasted Hatch Chiles in our little town and I have been taking full advantage of buying them FRESH roasted and preparing them for the freezer so I’ll have them all year long.

CARNITAS in HOT PINEAPPLE SAUCE BLOG 365.216

CARNITAS in HOT PINEAPPLE SAUCE

3 cups FRESH FINELY chopped pineapple (or 2 LARGE cans crushed pineapple)
2/3 cup Frank’s Original Hot Sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon Pampered Chef South West seasoning
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 pound pork shoulder cut into large chunks
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, cut into wedges
2 jalapeños, stem, ribs and seeds removed and then diced
3-4 garlic cloves, FINELY minced
Tortillas
Garnishes: chopped onion, FRESH chopped cilantro, Lime wedges and cheese if desired

  • Spray the crock with non-stick spray.
  • Combine the granulated sugar, southwest seasoning, FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Coat pork pieces with seasoning.
  • Arrange pork pieces along bottom of crock.
  • Combine pineapple pieces, brown sugar and hot sauce until well mixed.
  • Pour hot sauce mixture over pork pieces.
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours until meat is tender.
  • Stir combine.
  • Serve with tortillas and garnishes.

PORK CHOPS & POTATOES ~ BLOG 365.188

The original recipe called for using the slow cooker which is great, but NOT always necessary so I converted this to an oven recipe.

PORK CHOPS & POTATOES
6 bone in pork chops (6-8 ounces each)
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon butter
24-30 ounce package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 can Campbell’s cream of celery soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup FULL fat sour cream
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 can French fried onions

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • In a LARGE skillet heat oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
  • Generously season pork chops on both sides with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Sear pork chops quickly on both sides. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl whisk together the soup.
  • Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and half of the onions.
  • Fold the hash browns into the soup mixture.
  • Arrange potato mixture in the bottom of a large baking dish.
  • Nestle browned pork chops into potato mixture.
  • Cover and bake 45 minutes.
  • Uncover and top with remaining cheese and onions.
  • Bake another 15 minutes until pork is cooked through and cheese is melted.

NOTE:

  • To convert to a CROCK-POT recipe you don’t need to thaw the hash browns first, just break them up into smaller pieces.
  • Also be sure to spray CROCK-POT well with non-stick spray.
  • Prepare the same as for the oven by layering the potatoes under the pork chops and saving the remaining cheese and onions for the last 15 minutes.
  • Slow cook on low 5-6 hours.