Utilizing Cold Meat "left-overs" Recipe

Recipe: Utilizing Cold Meat Leftovers - Aunt Sarah's Salmagundi

History:
Salmagundi is a traditional dish that originated in the 17th century. It was popularized in England and later made its way to the United States. The term "salmagundi" comes from the French word "salmon gundy," which means a mishmash or hodgepodge of ingredients. This dish was often made by frugal housewives as a way to use up leftover meat and create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Aunt Sarah, known for her thrifty cooking, frequently made this dish and it became a family favorite.

Fun Facts:
- Salmagundi was originally a salad dish, but over time it has evolved to include various cooked ingredients.
- The term "salmagundi" is also used to describe a mixture of different things or a collection of diverse ideas.
- In different regions and cultures, salmagundi may have variations in the ingredients and preparation methods.

Ingredients:
- Small pieces of cold roast beef, veal, or steak, finely chopped (1 cup)
- Stale bread, soaked in cold water and squeezed (1/4 cup)
- Finely minced onion or parsley (small quantity)
- 1 egg (either the yolk or white)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Leftover gravy (as needed)
- Mashed potatoes (optional substitution for bread)
- Sweet drippings for frying (2 tablespoonfuls)
- Eggs for dipping (optional)
- Fine bread crumbs for coating (optional)
- Prepared mustard
- Thinly sliced buttered bread

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely-chopped cold meat with soaked and squeezed stale bread (or mashed potatoes).
2. Add finely minced onion or parsley, the yolk or white of 1 egg, and a seasoning of salt and pepper.
3. Gradually add leftover gravy to the mixture until it reaches a soft consistency that can be formed into small rolls or cakes.
4. Heat sweet drippings in a pan and fry the meat mixture until golden brown on all sides. Alternatively, form the mixture into small cone shapes, dip in beaten egg, coat with fine bread crumbs, and fry in deep fat for a crispy exterior.
5. For the appetizing sandwiches, run cold pieces of fried ham through a food chopper and spread it on thinly-sliced, buttered bread.
6. Spread prepared mustard over the ham, then cover with another slice of bread to create the sandwich.
7. Enjoy the flavor combination of the crispy fried ham and tangy mustard.

Aunt Sarah's "Salmagundi":
8. Cut the fat from remaining leftover pieces of roast beef and fry it in a pan until the fat has fried out.
9. Add a little finely minced onion and the beef cut into small marble-sized pieces.
10. Brown the beef in the fat for a few minutes, then add a small quantity of vinegar and water.
11. Thicken the mixture to the consistency of cream by adding a little flour moistened with cold water.
12. Serve this frugal and delicious dish, known as "Salmagundi," just as Aunt Sarah used to make it.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Shepherd's Pie: Utilize leftover roast beef or lamb by combining it with vegetables and topping it with mashed potatoes before baking.
- Beef Hash: Utilize leftover roast beef by dicing it finely and combining it with diced potatoes, onions, and seasonings, then frying it until golden brown.
- Corned Beef Hash: Utilize leftover corned beef by dicing it finely and frying it with diced potatoes, onions, and seasonings until crispy and flavorful.
- Beef Stir-Fry: Utilize leftover steak by slicing it thinly, stir-frying it with veggies and a flavorful sauce, and serving over rice or noodles.