Recently, Mr. Facebook wouldn’t allow me to post links to my Syrup and Biscuits Facebook page. A little pop-up message told me they thought I might be spamming. I fail to see how YOU can spam YOUR page. Evidently, Mr. Facebook knows best and prevented me from sharing on my page. Their noble act saved over 16,000 people from being spammed by the stuff they come to my page expecting to see. Question mark, exclamation point, question mark, exclamation point.
One of my clever Facebook friends suggested that this whole spamming incident calls for a SPAM recipe. I couldn’t agree more.
Let’s chat about SPAM a little bit. It doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It helped feed our troops in WWII, especially in the Pacific Islands when it was difficult to supply them with fresh meat. SPAM can help a family on a budget stretch the paycheck until next payday. Food pantries frequently request canned meat products such as SPAM.
There are several possible reasons for the widespread disrespect of a product that has been a part of our culture for generations. Maybe the disrespect for SPAM came from the food police. It is high in sodium and fat and isn’t a good choice for folks who need to modify their diets to decrease those elements. Adult need to be informed consumers and make choices that are appropriate for themselves and their families. Perhaps the Monty Python skit that resulted in unwanted electronic mail being named spam contributed to the disrespect of SPAM. Or maybe just plain ol’ , garden variety food snobbery is at play.
There are a multitude of issues, situations, trends, practices, etc. in our culture that are deserving of disrespect and chastisement. But a product that fed our troops, helps struggling families meet their budget and feeds hungry and homeless people, isn’t one of them.
Y’all come see us!
SPAM and Potato Hash
SPAM and Potato Hash
This recipe was inspired by my Mama’s recipe for Treet Hash. Treet is similar to SPAM in that it’s canned processed meat. SPAM is made from pork and ham, Treet from chicken and pork. I believe Treet might be a little less expensive than SPAM and that could be the reason for it showing up in our pantry. She didn’t include potatoes in her hash, it was strictly Treet and onions. I, on the other hand, feel that potatoes belong in hash. She probably got the recipe from the Treet can.
Don’t salt this dish until it is fully cooked. Taste and add salt accordingly. There’s lots of sodium in SPAM so the addition would depend on your taste preference and doctor’s orders.
4 cups diced Yukon gold potatoes
cooking oil
1 (12 ounce) can SPAM, diced
1 large sweet onion, diced
Cover the bottom of a large skillet with cooking oil. Add potatoes, stir frequently. Cook until they are slightly browned and softened.
Add SPAM and onions to skillet. Cook until onions soften and SPAM is fully heated.
khallsKurt says
Treet / SPAM , love it fried add potatoes and this recipe sounds divine ! I could totally see adding some eggs ( of any type ) and having a hearty breakfast !
Thank you once again for a wonderful dish.
Cheers***
( I need to go get a heavy duty cast iron skillet……)
Jackie Garvin says
Oh, yes! You could add a poached or sunny side up egg right on top. 🙂
khallsKurt says
Great history leeson too. I never knew that.
cindy says
You might have started a SPAM resurgence with the post of this recipe! Looks yummy and I like the idea of a sunny side egg right on top. I haven’t had SPAM in years but may have to add that to the grocery list for a trip back in time.
Jackie Garvin says
C’ mon and hop on the SPAM bandwagon, Cindy! We’ve got plenty of room for you. 🙂
Deb Holbrook says
We make a similar recipe called Campfire Hash and it calls for diced potatoes, diced Spam or Treet Meat, diced onions, can of whole kernel corn, and can of diced green chilies. Served with Mexican corn bread and macaroni & cheese and it is comfort food to the max!
Jackie Garvin says
Heavens to Betsy! That sounds fittin’ to eat, Deb. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Isn’t that silly of Facebook? I saw it mentioned and wasn’t sure about the details. I thinkthe spam idea is clever. 🙂
Jackie Garvin says
Maureen,
I thought is was pretty darn clever, too!
Jean says
Morning Jackie…..Oh what does FB know? I love this stuff. You recipe looks delish too!
Jackie Garvin says
Jean,
I’m beginning to think FB knows less and less.
Marcia P from Bogalusa! says
I have a can of low sodium SPAM in my pantry, and have been wondering what the perfect recipe would be. This sounds like the winner and I can’t wait to try it out! Eggs will be involved, per others’ suggestions.
Jackie Garvin says
I hope you enjoy, Marcia!
Sally says
Great comeback, Jackie
Jackie Garvin says
Thanks, Sally!
Chris Thomas says
I love Spam. It was a staple in our house. I usually dice up two 1/4 in. slices, get them golden brown, then add my scrambled eggs to the party.
Recently I’ve been doing something a little different. I took a small handful of frozen shoestring fries that I got from Wally-World; they’re $1 for 32 oz.; real cheap (frozen fries are pre-seasoned with shortening then flash fried and frozen). Put them in the microwave for a few seconds just to make them workable. I dice them and then tossed them with garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt and pepper: Then tossed them in the pan with a little Crisco and my Spam; then the eggs. A couple of shots of the “Creole Torpedo” (Frank’s Louisiana Hot Sauce), and I’m a happy boy. God bless.
Jackie Garvin says
Chris,
Thank you for respecting Spam. 🙂
Teresa says
I made this today but used 1/2 sweet potato and 1/2 white potato
It was delicious. I was going to add a can of drained and diced mild chilies but my son would never touch it if he saw green in it.