Dinner Tonight: Slum

3/4/2012

Among certain people -- fishermen and some marine biologists -- the word "slumgullion" refers to various fish organs in general and whale blubber in particular.

But we wouldn't give you a recipe for whale blubber, and Elaine Wright of Toledo certainly wouldn't give you one. The recipe she sent for Slum (it's short for "slumgullion") refers to a different meaning of the word: an inexpensive stew.

Imagine our relief.

Slum

1 pound lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 (14 1/2 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, crushed

1 can condensed cream of tomato soup

1 small green pepper, seeded and diced

Red bell pepper flakes (optional)

8 ounces elbow macaroni

In a large pan over medium-high heat, brown the beef with the onions, and salt and pepper to taste. Drain fat, if necessary. Add tomatoes, soup, green pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, lowering heat when needed to keep it from boiling.

Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to directions on the package. Serve the macaroni with the stew.

-- Elaine Wright

Got a fast and healthy recipe to share? Send it to food@theblade.com or Dinner Tonight, The Blade, 541 n. Superior St., Toledo, OH 43660.