The Great Spam Scam
A hearty, flavorful dish combining Spam, fresh vegetables, and spices, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting weekend meals with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 can Spam
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 can whole or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup canned cut green beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh yellow squash, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh zucchini, diced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 or 2 large garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley or cilantro ⓘ
- hot fresh chili peppers ⓘ
Instructions
- Dice the Spam into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cut the onion into small portions, about 1/8 inch pieces.
- Slice, dice, or press the garlic cloves as desired.
- If using hot chili peppers, introduce them whole, sliced, diced, or squished as preferred.
- Add diced Spam to a skillet and cook until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add canned tomatoes, green beans, yellow squash, zucchini, black pepper, white pepper (if using), and paprika.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in parsley or cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or carrots to the mix. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting the Spam with a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, so feel free to use thyme or oregano instead of parsley or cilantro. Adjust the spices to your preference, especially if you enjoy a kick!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra herbs for freshness. It pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread, making it a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables. This dish is also perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Great Spam Scam contains roughly 616 calories, with 19g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 28g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, cauliflower, or even frozen mixed vegetables work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
Is it necessary to use garlic?
While garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste or have dietary restrictions. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook it as instructed and let it cool before storing it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).