Salisbury Steak... a healthy love story. Sort of.

I bet you didnt know that Salisbury Steaks were invented as a health food. Pull up a meat loaf and have a seat. I'll fill you in.

Dr. James Henry Salisbury (1823-1905) was one of the world’s first health food nuts. His mania started during the Civil War, in which he served as physician became convinced that most of the ailments from which most men suffered could be relived by large amounts of caffeine and chopped beefsteak. From that he determined that vegetables and starchy foods produced poison in the digestive system, and were the main causes of heart disease, tumors, tuberculosis, and psychosis. He also believed that our teeth showed that we were meant to live on a diet made up mostly of meat.

Dr. Salisbury concocted the perfect health food to prove his dietary arguments: the Salisbury steak. Made of deep-fried or boiled ground beef flavored with onion and seasonings, he believed his steak, when eaten three times a day with lots of water, was the perfect defense against a host of physical problems.

As this fad faded, Dr. Salisbury’s steak might have fallen into obscurity, were it not for World War I. During World War I, anti-German sentiment was rampant, and Americans were looking for alternative names for anything with a moniker that smacked of Germany. “Hamburger” was number one on the list. A new name was finally found—“Salisbury Steak.”

So says The Idiots Guide. Its on the internet, it must be true!

So here's what has become one of my family's faves. Quick enough to make after work while the kids are still finishing up homework.

SALISBURY STEAK IN MUSHROOM GRAVY

Ingredients:

• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 1 Egg
• 3 Tablespoons crushed buttery crackers (about 6)
• 2 Tablespoons finely chopped Onion (or 1 Tbls dried onion flakes)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
• 2 (4ounce) cans of Sliced Mushrooms (drained)
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 3 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
• 3 Cups Milk
• 3 Cubes of Beef Bullion

(instead of milk and bullion cubes, you can use 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of canned beef broth, thats one can)

Directions:

1. Mix together the ground beef, egg, cracker crumbs, onion, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning until well combined. Using your hands, form into 4 to 6, One Inch patties, depending on your appetites.
2. Fry the patties in a large skillet over medium high heat for 3 or 4 minutes each side until browned. Remove patties from pan to a plate and drain off the grease, if any has accumulated.
3. Melt the butter in the same skillet and add the mushrooms. Cook and stir for a couple of minutes until heated. Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir until blended and golden in color. 
4. Stir in the milk and beef bullion cubes (or beef stock). Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth and beginning to thicken.
5. Return the patties to the pan and cook over low heat uncovered 10 minutes. Give it a stir once in a while.

 Just to show Dr Salisbury who's boss, I serve it over whole grain egg noodles with a veggie side. Eat up and remember the doctor in your dinner prayers!