I've never eaten Manwich, and I'd never heard of maid-rites before I moved to Kansas City. Growing up we always had sloppy joes made from scratch, so honestly I don't have much to compare this recipe to. Thankfully it doesn't need comparison, as it's delicious the way it is. I don't know where it came from, but I got it from my mom. The best part: it uses practically all ingredients that any well-stocked American kitchen probably already has! It's quick and easy for a weeknight, and paired with some homemade potato wedges and a scoop of store-bought coleslaw (yes we took the easy route, but seriously, who wants to make coleslaw on a weeknight?), this makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
I'm not the biggest fan of ketchup. To be honest, I rarely eat the stuff. I'm more of a mustard or mayo girl... but there are some things the sugar content in ketchup is necessary for: nice sticky homemade bbq sauces, caramelized tomatoey topping on meatloaf, and shiny slightly sweet homemade sloppy joes. If it makes you feel better, look for a nice organic ketchup. You can try to substitute tomato sauce for the ketchup if you like... I've never tried it like that though, and it may come out tasting different. I'd probably add a touch of sugar and a tad extra salt if you do that.
I'm including a bonus recipe: Quick and Easy Homemade Potato Wedges. These are tasty alongside the sloppy joes, or as a side dish for any number of sandwiches or other entrees.
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
1lb hamburger
1/2 c. chopped onion (I use a little more and just chop half an onion)
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. ketchup
1 tsp. prepared yellow mustard (the kind people put on hamburgers and hotdogs)
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Directions:
Brown the hamburger in a skillet. Drain the grease, return to the skillet, and add the chopped onions. Continue to cook until the onions just begin to soften. Add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer until heated through and liquid has reduced to a sloppy joe consistency (this should only take a couple minutes).
Serve on soft buns.
Makes at least 8 small sloppy joes.
*tip: if you're making this for dinner, and dinner is running late: you can always let this sit on the stove over low heat and add a little water so it doesn't dry out. It will hold until you're ready for it.
Quick and Easy Potato Wedges:
Ingredients:
One large (or two small) red potatoes per person
vegetable or canola oil
Old Bay Seasoning
Jalapeno Seasoning (can omit this or substitute a little cayenne for extra kick)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Wash potatoes and poke each several times with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave, uncovered, approximately 7 minutes, or until potatoes have just barely begun to soften (Alternatively you can place the potatoes whole into a pot of boiling water and boil them for 7-10 minutes for the same effect).
Allow potatoes to cool slightly so you can handle them, then carefully cut each potato in half, and each half into wedges approximately 1/2 - 3/4 inch thick. Place wedges into a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Sprinkle on a liberal amount of Old Bay seasoning, and Jalapeno Seasoning if using.
Spread potato wedges on a baking stone or a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until somewhat browned on the outside, turning each wedge over halfway through cooking for even browning.
No comments:
Post a Comment