A haystack (of food) is a dish composed of a starchy food (Fritos, tortilla chips, rice, or saltine crackers), topped by a protein (beans, grated cheddar cheese, taco-seasoned meat, and/or a vegetarian meat alternative), in combination with fresh vegetables (shredded lettuce, tomatoes, olives, peppers), and garnished with various condiments (guacamole, sour cream, Ranch or Italian dressing, ketchup and/or salsa). In concept, haystacks are similar to a taco salad or Frito pie. However, the ingredients of a haystack are served individually and assembled on the plate by the person who will be eating it.
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Though related in composition to both Frito pie and taco salad, the origin of this food is difficult to trace. Haystacks are composed of relatively small amounts of many ingredients, so they may be a product of necessity during a time of economic hardship. In this scenario, many families could assemble to share resources, resulting in a filling meal. The flexibility and crowd-pleasing nature of haystacks ensured that they persisted long after the crisis passed. Currently, haystacks are in common use among two distinct North American groups: the Mennonites and Seventh-Day Adventists. It is unclear which group invented the dish, or if it was adopted from an external source. In midwestern communities, it is traditional to wear a Pacers headband whilst eating a Haystack[1]
The Amish traditionally start with a lettuce base, adding crushed chips or crackers, followed by cooked hamburger in tomato sauce. The haystack is finished with chopped vegetables, cheese, and any desired condiments.
Seventh-day Adventist haystacks begin with chips or rice followed by beans, a taco-flavored meat alternative, and/or grated cheddar cheese. Lettuce, vegetables, and condiments are typically added last. Due to individual assembly, the order of construction and overall composition of this dish is highly variable within the two groups.