As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, many families are taking the time to honor fallen military members from previous wars as well as veterans who served their country and have since passed. It also is a time to remember all our loved ones who are no longer with us.
Many families get together for the holiday, and barbecues have become a custom for such gatherings. If you’re hosting one of those get-togethers, you might want to try this Texas-Style Barbecue recipe. It’s a little different because it calls for a combination of pork and beef, resulting in a dinner everyone is sure to enjoy.
TEXAS-STYLE BARBECUE
1 medium onion, chopped
1 jalapeno chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
3 or 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds coarsely ground beef chuck
1 medium pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons smoky paprika
1 teaspoon cilantro-lime spice
1 teaspoon dried cilantro leaves
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup beef broth or water
10 to 12 large flour tortillas or burger rolls
Bread and butter pickles, optional
Sliced onions, optional
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook onion and chili pepper (if used) in oil until tender, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add beef and pork, and more oil if needed, and cook and stir until browned, about 10 minutes.
Add chili powder, smoky paprika, cilantro-lime spice and dried cilantro leaves; stir to mix. Add garlic, brown sugar, tomatoes and beef broth and mix all ingredients together and bring to a boil; cover and cook on low for 1 hour, stirring frequently.
Uncover and continue to cook until meats are very tender. Remove meat from mixture with a large slotted spoon and set aside.
Boil down the cooking liquid until thickened. When thickened, combine the meat with the sauce.
Serve wrapped in large flour tortillas or on burger rolls with bread and Butter pickles and sliced onions, if desired. Makes 10 to 12 servings.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
