Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast: A Symphony of Simplicity for Timeless Breakfast Bliss
Step into a world where breakfast is a time-honored ritual, and flavors evoke the simplicity of cherished moments. In our exploration of Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast, we delve into a dish that transcends the boundaries of generations, offering a harmonious blend of nostalgia and culinary comfort. Known affectionately as “S.O.S” or “Shit on a Shingle,” this classic breakfast masterpiece is a testament to the enduring allure of uncomplicated recipes. Join us as we unveil the art of crafting the perfect creamed chipped beef, crowned upon a bed of warm, toasty indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Creamed Chipped Beef:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, a decadent foundation
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, the alchemist’s touch
- 2 cups whole milk, a canvas of creamy perfection
- 1 cup dried beef, thinly sliced or chipped
- Salt and black pepper to taste, the symphony of flavors
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional), a subtle kick
For Serving:
- Toasted bread slices or biscuits, the golden pedestal
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dried Beef:
- Begin by delicately soaking the dried beef in warm water for 10-15 minutes, allowing its saltiness to yield. Pat it dry gracefully.
- Execute the artistry of thin slicing or chipping the dried beef into delightful pieces.
2. Make the Cream Sauce:
- In a symphony of heat, melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium warmth.
- The culinary crescendo unfolds as all-purpose flour is whisked into the butter, creating a roux that achieves a golden opulence in 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually introduce whole milk to the ensemble, whisking diligently until a velvety masterpiece emerges.
3. Add Dried Beef and Seasoning:
- The orchestra swells as the sliced or chipped dried beef takes its place in the creamy sauce, each piece contributing to the harmonious blend.
- Season this culinary masterpiece with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for those seeking a subtle, rhythmic kick. Adjust according to the composition of your taste buds.
4. Simmer and Serve:
- The finale approaches as the creamed chipped beef simmers gently for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors intertwine in a dance of culinary delight.
- Meanwhile, prepare the stage for the grand presentation by toasting bread slices or conjuring biscuits to perfection.
5. Serve Warm:
- With an air of anticipation, spoon the warm creamed chipped beef over the awaiting bread or biscuits.
- As a final curtain call, garnish with an extra sprinkle of black pepper, letting each bite be a celebration of flavor.
Cooking Notes:
- Tailor the thickness of the cream sauce by conducting the flour or milk quantities to your liking.
- As the conductor of this symphony, taste before adding salt, as the dried beef may already contribute its own saltiness to the piece.
Variations:
Herb Infusion:
- Elevate the culinary composition by introducing a pinch of dried thyme or a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley for a herbal note.
Mushroom Medley:
- Embark on a culinary adventure by adding a medley of sautéed mushrooms, creating an earthy twist in the flavor ensemble.
Keto Versions:
Almond Flour Alchemy:
- Navigate the keto path by replacing all-purpose flour with the magic of almond flour, crafting a keto-friendly roux.
Keto Bread Base:
- Transform the stage with keto-friendly bread or biscuits, allowing this breakfast masterpiece to be enjoyed within keto bounds.
Low-Carb Version:
Vegetable Ribbon Bed:
- For those seeking a lower-carb overture, replace traditional bread with ribbons crafted from zucchini or butternut squash.
Conclusion: In the realm of breakfast classics, Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast stands as a timeless melody, echoing the simplicity and charm of days gone by. Whether you affectionately call it “S.O.S” or embrace its classic name, each bite is a poetic ode to comfort and tradition. Share this culinary nostalgia with loved ones or savor it in solitude, allowing each morning to be a celebration of the joy found in uncomplicated, time-honored recipes. May Creamed Chipped Beef on Toast become a cherished symphony in your breakfast repertoire, bringing warmth and culinary bliss to every dawn.
