TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey is home to tens of thousands of veterans and one thing veterans can all agree on, regardless of service is that corned beef hash is a food we all love to hate, but still have a fondness for all these years later.
Who can forget the corned beef hash MRE? It was actually pretty good when you were in the field for weeks at a time. Better than Chicken a-la King, right?
Today is National Corned Beef Hash Day, the day Americans celebrate this relatively unknown in New Jersey national treasure, but veterans are well aware of the existence of this culinary mashup.
We used to joke and call it ‘leftovers’, because it really does look like they mixed all the leftovers in a big pot and served it with a new name.
Ironically, after leaving the service (USMC), I learned that’s exactly how the dish was created.
Originating during and after World War II, corned beef hash gained popularity due to meat rationing. It became a versatile dish where cooks used a variety of herbs, spices, and remaining food items to stretch meals during challenging times. The Hormel Company claims to have introduced corned beef hash to the U.S. in 1950, although Betty Wason, a World War II reporter, included a recipe for the dish in her 1943 cookbook “Cooking Without Cans.”
Corned beef hash consists of corned beef, potatoes, and often onions. Depending on personal preferences, variations may include additional spices or different types of meat. This dish is commonly served at breakfast but can be enjoyed at any meal.
Across the country, restaurants and diners that specialize in this iconic dish, sometimes referred to as “hash houses,” have special offerings to commemorate the day. Social media is awash with recipes and cooking demonstrations tagged with #CornedBeefHashDay, allowing people to share their unique takes on the classic dish.