Beef Manhattan facts for kids
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| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Midwest, South |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Beef |
Beef Manhattan is a popular American dish. It comes from the Midwest. This tasty meal features slices of roast beef covered in rich gravy. It's often served with creamy mashed potatoes. Sometimes the potatoes are right on top of the beef. Other times, they are placed next to it on the plate.
Contents
What is Beef Manhattan?
Beef Manhattan is a type of "open-face sandwich." This means it's served on a single slice of bread. It's not a closed sandwich with two slices. A similar dish is called Turkey Manhattan. This version uses turkey instead of beef.
How is it Served?
In Indiana, Beef Manhattan is usually served on a slice of bread. The roast beef is placed on the bread. Then, the sandwich is cut from corner to corner. This creates a V-shape on the plate. Mashed potatoes are often put between the two halves. Finally, the whole dish is covered in warm gravy. It's a hearty and comforting meal.
Where Did Beef Manhattan Come From?
The dish first appeared in a restaurant in the late 1940s. It was served at a deli in Indianapolis, Indiana. This deli is no longer open today. The dish quickly became a favorite in Indiana. People there often call themselves "Hoosiers."
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Beef Manhattan" has an interesting story. During World War II, workers from the Naval Ordnance Plant in Indianapolis (NOPI) traveled. They went to Manhattan, New York, for training. They were learning about a special device called the Norden bombsight. While in Manhattan, they enjoyed eating open-face sandwiches. When they returned to Indianapolis, they asked for a similar dish. Their cafeteria started serving it. They called it "Beef Manhattan" to remember their time in New York.
