A slugburger (originally "weeksburger") is a traditional southern delicacy found in northeast Mississippi, particularly Corinth, Iuka and northwest Alabama. Consisting of a patty made from a mixture of beef or pork and an inexpensive extender such as soybeans, it is deep fried in oil. It is typically served on a bun with mustard, pickles, an onion ring, and a side of French fries.
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John Weeks brought his hamburger recipe to Corinth in 1917 from Chicago. Weeks had his hamburger meat ground to specification by local butchers, which included potato flakes and flour. These small hamburgers were originally called Weeksburgers. Sometime before 1950, soy grits replaced the potato and flour and has remained the primary extender. According to town legend the term "slugburger" comes from the slang term for a nickel.[1][2]
In Tupelo, Mississippi, slugburgers are known as doughburgers and often contain flour and egg rather than soy grits. A local drive-in "Johnny's", that Elvis Presley frequented as a boy, serves doughburgers.[3][4]
Each July the citizens of Corinth as well as those who travel from miles around descend on the town to pay tribute to this local culinary specialty at the annual Slugburger Festival. This three day event offers rides, live entertainment and food.[5]
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