Sweet corn and sweet onion hash
The best thing about leftovers is their added flavor, the way sitting around a day or two in the refrigerator augments whatever tasties were there to begin with. The worst thing about leftovers is that, even so, they can feel tired; reheating or recooking just worsens that. Wine to the rescue. The perky condiment that it can be, a zesty wine of whatever color enlivens leftovers, refreshes and sets the tongue back to ground zero. Not much in the leftovers — even some extra preparation as here — can do that as well as a wine with zing.
HERE’S THE DISH …
Sweet Corn and Sweet Onion Steak Hash
From Clark Haass “Hashcapades: The Art of the Perfect Hash Adventure”
In a skillet, sauté 1/4 sweet onion, diced, in 2 tablespoons butter for 5-10 minutes. Add 1 cup frozen sweet corn and cook for 5 minutes. Add 8 ounces (1-2 cups lightly packed) leftover beef steak; 1 cup diced white button and cremini mushrooms; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon chopped flat leaf parsley; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; and 2 tablespoons cooking sherry. Stir occasionally for 5-10 minutes. To serve, arrange 3 slices toasted country white bread, cut into 4-6 strips, in a ring or geometric shape on each plate, 4 to 6 inches across. Spoon 1 serving inside the bread strips and garnish with a little parsley, if using. Editor’s note: You may substitute leftover dark meat turkey for the beef.
AND PAIR IT WITH …
• NV Gruet Winery Brut Rose, Albuquerque, N.M.: From one of America’s bestpriced Champagne-method producers; ¾ pinot noir, ¼ chardonnay; beautiful lox-colored hue, fruity, dry and crisp. $13-$16
• 2014 Clos Roche Blanche “Cuvee Pif ” Touraine Loire France: Mostly cabernet franc with a bit of malbec for deep red-black color, gobs of aroma of dark fruits and a bit of grip from suede-like tannins and acidity. $22 (Note: this is the last vintage of Cuvee “Pif.”)
• 2013 Weinbau Erich Sattler Zweigelt Burgenland Austria: Lots of characteristic black cherry fruit, lightly spiced, with just enough tannin to scour the palate gently between bites. $18