Mennonite Roasted Pig Tails and Ribs
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Description: Finger-licking good and bursting with flavor, this classic Mennonite dish is a must-have for any picnic. Barbecued pig tails and ribs, paired with the traditional hot potato salad, create an irresistible meal that’s perfect for gatherings and outdoor feasts.
Recipe Category: Pork
Keywords: Meat, Canadian, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- Pig Tails: 2 1/2 – 3 pounds
- Pork Ribs: 3 – 4 pounds
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Fresh Ground Pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Dry Mustard: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Honey: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Molasses: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Worcestershire Sauce: 3/4 cup
- Ketchup: 3/4 cup
- Chili Sauce: 1/3 cup
- Water: 2/3 cup
- Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pig Tails:
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the pig tails, fat side up, on a rack set inside an open roasting pan. This allows the fat to drain away from the meat as it cooks. -
Roast Pig Tails:
Roast the pig tails in the oven for approximately 2 hours. This slow roasting helps render the fat and infuse the meat with flavor. After the initial roasting period, drain off the excess fat. -
Prepare Ribs:
While the pig tails are roasting, cut the pork ribs into individual portions of 3 to 4 ribs each. Arrange them in a separate roasting pan. Cover and bake the ribs for 45 minutes at 300°F (150°C). Drain off the fat after cooking. -
Make the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine salt, fresh ground pepper, paprika, dry mustard, honey, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, chili sauce, water, cider vinegar, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. -
Combine and Roast:
Lay the pre-roasted pig tails and baked ribs in the bottom of an open roasting pan. Spoon the prepared sauce generously over the meat, ensuring that it is well-coated. Return the pan to the oven and continue cooking for another hour. Periodically spoon more sauce over the meat to keep it well-coated and flavorful. -
Grilling Option:
For an outdoor barbecue twist, pre-roast the pig tails and ribs as directed above. Afterward, transfer the meat to an outdoor grill. Brush the pig tails and ribs with the sauce and grill them until they are succulent, brown, and crisp. Turn the meat frequently, brushing on more sauce as needed to maintain a deliciously sticky glaze. -
Serve:
Once the meat is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven or grill. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful pig tails and ribs that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Mennonite dish, which brings a touch of classic Canadian cooking to your table. Whether served at a picnic or as a special family meal, these roasted pig tails and ribs are a delightful treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 2515
- Fat Content: 198.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 70.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 686.4mg
- Sodium Content: 1936mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.9g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 17.3g
- Protein Content: 150.7g
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this delicious, mouthwatering Mennonite classic that promises a feast full of flavor and tradition! 🍖🔥