Hashed Beef And Tomato Sauce Recipe

Hashed Beef and Tomato Sauce is a classic dish that combines leftover roast beef with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe has been enjoyed for many years, providing a delicious and budget-friendly meal option. Let's dive into the recipe and explore some fun facts about this dish.

Historically, Hashed Beef and Tomato Sauce originated as a way to transform leftover roast beef into a new and tasty meal. It was a clever way to utilize every bit of food, reducing waste and making the most out of ingredients. This dish became popular in the late 19th century when frugality in the kitchen was a necessity.

Fun Fact: The word "hash" comes from the French word "hacher," which means to chop or mince. In culinary terms, hash refers to a mixture of diced or chopped ingredients, typically leftovers, combined and cooked together.

Now, let's get started with the recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Cold Roast Beef
- 8 tomatoes
- 1 fagot of Herbs (a bundle of herbs such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves)
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 gill Gravy (approximately 4 fluid ounces)
- 1 oz. Butter
- 1/2 teaspoonful Sugar
- Toast slices

Total Cost: 8d.
Time: Half an Hour

1. Slice up the tomatoes and place them into a saucepan along with the butter, fagot of herbs, salt, pepper, sugar, and gravy.
Fun Fact: The addition of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances their natural sweetness.

2. Stir the mixture while cooking until it turns into a thick pulp. This process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich tomato sauce.
Fun Fact: The use of fresh tomatoes not only adds a vibrant flavor to the sauce but also provides essential nutrients like lycopene, which is known for its antioxidant properties.

3. Once the sauce has reached a thick consistency, remove the fagot of herbs, and season to taste. Allow the sauce to cool completely.
Fun Fact: Straining the sauce through a sieve removes any lumps or seeds, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture.

4. Cut the cold roast beef into thin slices and place them in a separate saucepan.
Fun Fact: Using cold roast beef helps retain its tenderness while letting the flavors of the sauce infuse into the meat.

5. Pour the cold tomato sauce over the beef and heat it slowly until hot, ensuring the flavors blend together.
Fun Fact: Slowly reheating the dish allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meat.

6. Arrange the hot hash on a serving dish and garnish with fried sippets of bread or toast.
Fun Fact: Sippets of bread or toast add a nice crunch and texture to the dish, complementing the softness of the beef and the rich tomato sauce.

Hashed Beef and Tomato Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Its savory flavors and budget-friendly nature have made it a staple in many households over the years.

Similar recipe dishes that also feature leftover meat and a flavorful sauce include Shepherd's Pie, Cottage Pie, and Beef Stroganoff. These dishes offer a delicious way to repurpose leftovers and enjoy a satisfying meal.

So next time you have cold roast beef and some tomatoes on hand, give this Hashed Beef and Tomato Sauce recipe a try. It's a timeless classic that brings together the best of flavors and culinary creativity. Enjoy!