Hash (food) - Definition and Overview

Hash, originally known as hashed beef, is a food popularly eaten in the United States, Great Britain and Denmark. It is composed of finely diced meat and vegetables. Today's hash is made with potatoes and beef, usually corned beef but sometimes roast beef. Other diced vegetables may be included, such as carrots or onions. It is usually served browned without any liquid added, making it somewhat dry. The hashed beef of the 19th century was notably different in that potatoes were more uncommon and one or more sauces, generally gravy, ketchup, and/or one or more types of broth, were often added.

In the United States it is often served as a breakfast food with eggs.

In certain parts of the United Kingdom, celebration of Ash Wednesday involves the ritual serving and eating of hash.

In Denmark, hash, known in Danish as "biksemad" (roughly translated, "tossed together food") is a traditional main course food, usually served with a fried egg, bearnaise sauce, pickled red beet slices and ketchup. It is not a breakfast food. See Cuisine of Denmark.

External links

• Hormel.com (http://www.hormel.com) - The website of a popular canned hash manufacturer
• 'Hashed Beef, Plain' at The Household Cyclopedia (http://www.mspong.org/cyclopedia/cookery.html#hashed_beef) - A recipe for hashed beef from an 1800s cookbook