Creamed chipped beef on toast, also known as "chipped beef on toast" or "S.O.S." (which stands for "Sh** on a Shingle" in military slang), is a classic and comforting dish. Here's a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)
- 1 package (about 3 ounces) dried chipped beef, chopped into small pieces
- 8 slices of toast (traditionally, white bread is used)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the chipped beef: Take the dried chipped beef and chop it into small pieces. You can find dried chipped beef in the deli section of most grocery stores.
Make the white sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour to the pan and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the flour and butter combine to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
Add milk and season: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Add black pepper to taste, if desired. The chipped beef is usually salty enough, so you may not need to add additional salt.
Add chipped beef: Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped chipped beef to the pan. Stir to combine the beef with the cream sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Toast the bread: While the chipped beef and sauce are simmering, toast the bread slices until they are golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Place a slice of toast on a plate, and generously ladle the creamed chipped beef mixture over the toast. You can serve it open-faced or with another slice of toast on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Creamed chipped beef on toast makes for a hearty breakfast or a comforting meal any time of the day. Enjoy!