Day 2, Recipe 2: Curried Hash

So, I half-committed yesterday to making a lighter, healthier dish for dinner tonight. Things don't always go according to plan though and sometimes, you have to use what you have on hand. I'm not feeling well today and I wanted something that was relatively no fuss and wouldn't take long to prepare. This is an adapted Company's Coming recipe that I once again acquired from my mom- she's my no fail go-to for delicious meal ideas. The flavor in this dish comes from the curry and you can add or decrease the amount as you so choose.


3 T            cooking oil
1 1/4 lb      extra lean ground beef
3/4 C         chopped onion
1 t             salt
1/4 t          pepper
1/2 t          sage (or poultry seasoning)
3 T           all purpose flour
2 C           milk
1 T           curry powder

In a large skill heat oil over medium heat and add onion. Saute until onion is translucent; add ground beef and brown.
Season with salt, pepper and sage/poultry seasoning. Add flour, one tablespoon at a time, stirring with the ground beef mixture to ensure even coverage.
Stir all the milk into the mixture at once. Continue stirring as mixture boils and thickens.

Stir in curry powder and remove from heat; allow to sit for 2 minutes for flavors to absorb.
Serve immediately over a bed of rice or noodles.

The recipe says that this can also be used as a base for a casserole. Some suggestions;
- Rice, green peas, onion baked with base for 30 minutes at 350F
- Potato (parboiled) and diced tomatoes baked with base for 30 minutes at 350F

For this meal, presentation was key- my boyfriend isn't a huge fan of rice or curry. I arranged the rice in the center of the plate and poured green peas around the rice. A spoonful of the sauce overtop and voila! Before I knew it, he was back in the kitchen, spooning himself seconds. The key to this really is the two minute setting time- because the curry is the last ingredient added, the sauce doesn't absorb the flavors of it right away. Allowing a little bit of "breathing" time proved to be beneficial. If reheating or using in a casserole, be sure to use additional liquid as needed.

★★★.5/☆☆☆☆☆                 
3.5 stars out of 5 for yum factor