Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak is a type of dish that originated in the United States, typically made with ground beef mixed with various ingredients such as breadcrumbs, onions, and seasonings, shaped into a patty and then fried or grilled. The patty is often served with gravy and often accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans or corn. It is typically considered a comfort food and can also be found in frozen form in supermarkets. The dish is said to be named after Dr. James H. Salisbury, a 19th century physician who promoted a meat-centric diet as a health regimen.

• Dr. James H. Salisbury, a 19th century physician, studied germs as the cause of diseases and was met with severe criticism in America and Europe. However, 16 years later, his findings were proved correct.
• Dr. Salisbury served as a physician during the American Civil War and believed that the troops’ diarrhea could be controlled with a coffee and lean chopped beefsteak diet.
• Dr. Salisbury believed that vegetables produced poisonous toxins in the digestive system were responsible for heart disease, tumors, mental illness, and tuberculosis.
• He suggested that his special blend of ground beef and other ingredients be eaten three times a day, with lots of water to cleanse the digestive system.
• During World War I, the Salisbury Steak became cemented in the American lexicon as a movement to limit German-sounding words, so the Army served Salisbury Steak rather than Hamburger.
• Salisbury's diet has been described as an early example of a fad diet, and it was promoted in 34 editions of a book.¹⁾