The Culinary Connoisseur
Don’t Forget the Napkins!
Jun
What do you get when you combine ground beef, onions,
tomato sauce or ketchup and seasonings on a hamburger bun? If you guessed a “Sloppy
Joe sandwich,” you’re right! Sloppy Joes are an American creation that has been
around since at least the 1920s. They probably got their start as a variation
of the “loose meat” sandwiches that were popular at that time. “Loose meat”
sandwiches didn’t contain tomato sauce. According to legend, a cook named Joe
at a café in Sioux City, Iowa added tomato sauce to his loose meat sandwiches
and the “Sloppy Joe” was born. And the rest, as they say, is history!
favorite in lunch rooms in schools all over the country. They’re also a
favorite of parents when dinner time approaches, since Sloppy Joes are easy and
inexpensive to make. You can use a homemade recipe of ground beef, onions,
tomato sauce or ketchup and seasonings. Fry up the ground beef, add the other
ingredients and serve it hot on a bun.
Manwich that already has most of the ingredients already mixed together. All
you need to do is add ground beef. If you’re a vegetarian, you can substitute
vegetable protein or tofu for ground beef to make meatless Sloppy Joes.
the name “Sloppy Joes” to be somewhat amusing. In different parts of the US,
Sloppy Joes go by a variety of names.
Some other names for Sloppy Joes include: dynamites, gulash sandwiches,
sloppy janes, slushburgers, steamers, wimpies and yum yums.
find all sorts of variations on the traditional recipe around the country. Some
areas use other meats, such as chicken, instead of ground beef. Other areas add
special spices, like cinnamon and brown sugar.
sandwiches have changed with the times. Throughout the 1930’s recipes evolved
that called for the addition of ingredients like ketchup. During World War II
many consumer products, including ground beef, were rationed during as a way to
help the American war effort. Homemakers were forced to look for creative ways
to stretch the household food dollar. As a result, they would mix ground beef
with various sauces to help make the supply last longer. Over time, tastes
change and folks varied their add-ins to suit current trends.
and choose your favorite
1 onion, diced Heat oil large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown
the meat and the onion for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into crumbles as it
cooks. Pour the drippings out of the pan and discard. Add the garlic, jalapeno,
and red pepper and cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Stir in the rest
of the ingredients, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes more. Place 3-4
tablespoons of the mixture onto each bun and serve.
from sandwiches featuring shredded beef.
in Spanish translates to “Old Clothes”. This type of sandwich was made of
braised flank steak, shredded and served on tortillas.
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup chicken stock
1-8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon vinegar
to cook all sides. Add the rest of ingredients, mixing well. Cover and simmer
for 3-4 hours or until steak shreds easily. Shred and serve on tortillas or buns.
enjoy your Sloppy Joe is on a baked potato. It makes a complete meal without
the bun. Our version uses ground turkey and vegetables for an even healthier
option.
1 small onion, dicedPierce the potatoes in a few places with a fork. Either
bake potatoes in the oven for 45 minutes or microwave until tender, turning
once, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook, stirring occasionally,
until the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes. Add the turkey and 1/4
teaspoon each salt and pepper; cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon,
until no longer pink on the surface, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ketchup,
chili sauce, chili powder and garlic; continue cooking until the meat is cooked
through, 3 to 5 more minutes.
the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and gently fluff the flesh with a fork. Top with
the turkey mixture and serve hot.
plain Sloppy Joes, roll up your sleeves, grab a roll of paper towels and enjoy
this spicy, sweet, tangy legacy of a sandwich. And don’t forget a side of chips
and a dill pickle.