Harper West
SOS, which stands for Sh*t on a Shingle, is a dish that was once a staple in military rations, particularly in the US Army and Navy. It is typically made with creamed chipped beef served on toast, although there are many variations depending on the supplies available and the cook's preferences. While it is no longer a staple, it is still served in some form in modern military mess halls and holds a special place in the hearts of many military veterans as a nostalgic reminder of their time in service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | SOS (Sh*t on a Shingle, Stuff on a Shingle, Supper on a Shoestring) |
| Main Ingredients | Creamed chipped beef, toast, eggs, coffee |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, sausage, onion, bouillon cube, hamburger gravy, biscuits, bacon fat |
| Preparation | Brown ground meat in a skillet, add flour and water/milk mixture to create a thick, gravy-like consistency |
| History | Earned its nickname during WWII, when it was made with creamed chipped beef gravy served over toast; the Army, Air Force, and USMC used ground beef in creamed gravy, while the Navy used tomato sauce instead of creamed gravy |
| Cultural Significance | Nostalgic dish for military veterans, evoking memories of camaraderie and shared experiences; has appeared in popular culture, including the TV show "MAS*H" and the movie "Stripes" |
| Current Status | No longer a staple of military cuisine, but still served in some form in modern military mess halls; various recipes and variations available online |
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What You'll Learn
What is SOS?
SOS, or "Sh*t on a Shingle," is a dish that has been a staple in military rations, particularly in the US Army and Navy. It is typically served for breakfast and consists of creamed chipped beef served over a "shingle," which can be toast or crackers. The origin of the dish dates back to World War I in France when Marine forces were served meals prepared by the Army in field kitchens. The original recipe included dried and salted beef, which could be stored for long periods without refrigeration, making it ideal for military rations. Over time, the recipe evolved, and different variations emerged depending on the branch of service. For example, the Army, Air Force, and USMC used ground beef in creamed gravy, while the Navy used tomato sauce instead of creamed gravy.
The dish holds a special place in the hearts of many military veterans, evoking memories of camaraderie and shared experiences. It has also gained popularity among civilians, with many attempting to recreate the dish at home. While SOS is no longer a staple in military cuisine, it is still served in some modern military mess halls, and military units continue to include it in their menus to connect with their heritage and traditions.
The basic components of SOS include ground meat, flour, and water, which are readily available in most supermarkets. To prepare the dish, the ground meat is browned in a skillet, and then flour and water are added to create a thick, gravy-like consistency. Some recipes also include eggs, biscuits, or leftover hamburger buns served alongside the SOS.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards more gourmet and artisanal versions of SOS. Some chefs have experimented with high-end ingredients such as truffles, foie gras, and artisanal cheeses to elevate the dish. Others have used modern cooking techniques like sous vide and molecular gastronomy to create innovative variations. Despite the evolution of military cuisine, SOS remains a beloved dish for many veterans and continues to be a cultural phenomenon.
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The history of SOS
The SOS distress signal was first introduced in 1905, replacing the less concise and confusing CQD ("Come Quick, Danger") signal that had been used since 1904. The need for a universal and straightforward distress signal was highlighted during the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, when the ship's wireless operators used both the CQD and SOS signals to call for help. During World War I and World War II, the SOS signal was extensively used by military vessels and aircraft, saving countless lives by alerting rescue teams to their locations.
The use of SOS in the military also extends to culinary traditions, specifically referring to a classic, hearty breakfast dish. SOS, or creamed chipped beef gravy served over toast, has been a staple breakfast for soldiers for generations. The dish earned its nickname, "Sh*t on a Shingle," during World War II, with the toast representing the "shingle." While the traditional SOS recipe used creamed beef gravy, variations emerged, including the use of hamburger gravy served over biscuits or leftover bread. This comforting meal holds fond memories for many veterans, reminding them of early mornings in the mess hall and the camaraderie of their fellow soldiers.
Beyond its use in distress signals and culinary traditions, SOS also has a significant military history in terms of logistics and supply. The United States Army had a Services of Supply branch, known as SOS, established in February 1942. This branch provided logistical support for various theaters of war, including China, Burma, India, the European Theater, and the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. The SOS branch was crucial in supporting invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and southern France. In June 1944, the term SOS was abolished and replaced by COMZ (Communications Zone), reflecting the changing nature of their operations.
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Variations of SOS
The term SOS in military cuisine refers to the colloquialism "Something on a Shingle" or "Stuff on a Shingle", with the shingle referring to toast or crackers. The dish is open to variation, with the ""something" or "stuff" being any type of meat, especially leftover meat. During World War II, when the dish earned its nickname, it was made with creamed chipped beef gravy served over toast. However, in more recent times, it has been made with hamburger gravy served over biscuits.
Artisanal Ingredients
Using high-end ingredients, such as grass-fed beef and artisanal cheeses, to create a more gourmet version of SOS.
Modern Cooking Techniques
Applying modern cooking techniques, such as sous vide and molecular gastronomy, to create a more sophisticated version of the dish.
International Flavors
Incorporating international flavors and ingredients, such as Korean chili flakes and Japanese miso paste, to create a more diverse and complex version of SOS.
Sausage
During their time in the Air Force, one person recalls sausage being added to the dish on some days.
Onion and Bouillon Cube
Another variation includes onion and a bouillon cube in the recipe.
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Why is SOS significant?
SOS, which stands for "Sh*t on a Shingle", is a simple yet beloved dish among military veterans. It is a type of creamed chipped beef served on toast or crackers, and gained popularity as a staple breakfast meal in the US Army and Navy. The dish is significant for several reasons:
Firstly, SOS holds cultural and historical significance within military communities. Its origins can be traced back to World War I, when it is said to have been first served to Marine forces during a battle in France. Over time, SOS became a staple in military rations due to its long shelf life and ability to withstand extreme conditions. The dried and salted chipped beef used in SOS could be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, making it ideal for field kitchens and military rations.
Secondly, SOS is significant for its nutritional value and ability to sustain troops in the field. The dish is designed to be highly caloric, providing soldiers with the energy and nourishment needed to endure rigorous training and combat situations. The ground beef, flour, and water used in SOS are readily available and affordable, making it a cost-effective option for military cooks.
Additionally, SOS holds a special place in the hearts of military veterans as a nostalgic reminder of their time in service. It evokes feelings of camaraderie and shared experiences, often being served at military reunions and gatherings. The dish has undergone various iterations, with different branches of the military adopting their own versions, but the traditional recipe remains largely unchanged.
Finally, SOS has made its way into popular culture, appearing in television shows like "M*A*S*H" and movies like "Stripes", further solidifying its place in the public consciousness as a symbol of military cuisine and heritage.
While SOS may no longer be a standard offering in modern military mess halls, its cultural significance and nostalgic appeal ensure that it continues to be cherished by veterans and civilians alike, with many recreating the dish at home and even experimenting with gourmet ingredients and modern cooking techniques.
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Making SOS at home
S.O.S., also known as "Sh*t on a Shingle," is a classic meal that evokes fond memories of military cooking. It is a simple, tasty, and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold morning. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this comforting dish at home:
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Bread (toast or biscuits)
- Salt and pepper (or other seasonings of your choice)
- Optional: onion, mushrooms, potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, beef broth, chicken bouillon cubes
Instructions:
- In a large cast-iron skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. You can use other meats such as sausage or leftover meat.
- If desired, add chopped onions to the skillet and stir until the beef is completely browned and the onions are tender. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper or other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add flour. Stir until the butter and flour mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously. You can add 2 cups of milk or adjust the amount to your preferred consistency.
- Continue cooking the mixture until it thickens into a gravy.
- If using bread, toast or grill it to your desired doneness. You can use any type of bread, such as biscuits, white bread, wheat bread, or sourdough.
- Pour the gravy over the beef and stir to combine. Continue cooking for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the beef gravy on top of the toasted bread ("shingle").
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste and get creative with your ingredients! Enjoy your homemade SOS, a comforting dish with a unique name and a long history.
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Frequently asked questions
SOS stands for Sh*t on a Shingle, though it is sometimes interpreted as Stuff on a Shingle.
SOS is made with creamed chipped beef or ground beef in gravy, served on toast or crackers.
While SOS is no longer a staple of military cuisine, it is still served in some form in modern military mess halls. Some military units continue to serve SOS as a way to connect with their heritage and tradition.
