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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Deep in the Heart of Texas



I've only been to Texas once. It was an eye opening experience. As with most places I traveled, I fell in love with certain things. Houston didn't thrill me, but Austin was full of life, music, and bats. San Antonio was charming, with the river winding through town, and of course, The Alamo.

Growing up on the East Coast, we didn't learn much about the history of the West Coast. Pretty much California was introduced only through the Gold Rush. Anything between the Mississippi and the Pacific Ocean was pretty much a blip. So I knew NOTHING about The Alamo. I guzzle up history with glee, so I could have spent days wandering the site and trying to read everything.

Texas food is known to be big and bold on flavors. Barbecue, Mexican, even their very own Tex-Mex style. So when I spotted a recipe for "Texas Hash" in my Fannie Farmer Bible, I knew it would be brimming with taste. It's almost like my favorite beanless chili, with rice and cheese. Are you sold yet? If you want to get technical, it's definitely a stovetop casserole. Meat, veggies, rice, and cheese baked together in a sauce made from tomatoes. It's a one pot wonder that will have you leaving your heart in Texas.


Texas Hash (From the Fannie Farmer Cookbook)
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 tsp chili powder
16 oz can of tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
salt
3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

  1. Heat the oil in a skillet and saute the onion, celery, pepper until tender.
  2. Add the meat and brown.
  3. Add the chili powder and tomatoes. Cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the rice and heat until the rice is warmed through.
  5. Pour into a shallow baking dish, top with cheese and run under the broiler for a minute or two until it bubbles.

4 comments:

  1. I have never been to Texas either, but I have eaten plenty of Tex-Mex in my lifetime:D

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  2. Wait you learned history while living out east? Hmm. I know someone tried to teach it to me somewhere along the way but all i really remember are the ancient civilizations. I should read up on the Alamo before i make this hash. Then I'll feel more worthy.

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  3. My friend told me how she loved San Antonio and Austin more than her hometown Houston. She's also very big into meaty stuff...I don't think I'm much into Tex-Mex, but I think it's fun to see the different styles people eat food! :-)

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  4. I haven't been to texas. I was, just moments ago, talking with my little brother. He uttered this exact phrase:
    If I'm a bad boy, they'll send me to texas.

    I think I'll pass on his version of texas

    ReplyDelete