"Hoover Hog" was a name given to unsavory cuts of meat used for food during the Great Depression. Depending on the area of the US, Hoover Hog could mean rabbit, armadillo or even stewed rat. The moniker came as a disparaging slur toward president Herbert Hoover in reference to his "a chicken in every pot" campaign slogan.
Roast Armadillo
(aka Hoover Hog, Gravedigger, Tatú {Brazil})
"When cooked, armadillo tastes rich and porky".
Always use rubber gloves when handling raw armadillo,
because it can carry leprosy. Never eat roadkill.
1. Remove the glands from the legs and back of the armadillo, then clean and cut
into serving pieces.
2. Brown in a little oil, covered, until light brown. Stir in enough flour to
absorb the oil. Season as desired.
3. Add a small amount of water, barbecue sauce, or chopped tomatoes. Simmer for
5 to 10 minutes or until fork tender.
Flavor Affinities: Bacon, barbecue sauce, basil, chili powder, cilantro, garlic,
nutmeg, onions, red wine, shallots, tomatoes
Creamed Armadillo Over Rice
Ingredients:
* 1 armadillo, cleaned, cut into cubed meat slices
* 1/2 cup of white grape juice
* 1/2 cup of milk
* 2 finely minced garlic cloves
* ¼ cup of butter
* Salt to taste
* ½ teaspoon thyme
* ½ teaspoon rosemary
* ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
* 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
* 1 yellow pepper finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions:
* Mix white grape juice, milk, thyme, rosemary, salt, and cayenne pepper
* Marinade armadillo meat overnight in this mixture, turning several times
* Saute in some of the butter, minced garlic, yellow pepper, celery, and onion,
and set aside
* Remove armadillo meat, but reserve liquid
* Saute meat until brown in butter
* Add reserved liquid
* Bring to a boil
* Lower heat and simmer for one hour
* Remove armadillo meat and place on rice filled platter
* Mix cream and cornstarch
* Mix in finely chopped parsley
* Slowly add to reserved liquid
* Pour sauce over armadillo
Serve immediately