Cabrito, goat by any other name, the other red meat.
In the last couple of years, because of the efforts of
a family member, we have become aware that most of the
world eats goat (Cabrito). America does not consume much
goat but it seems almost everybody else does. Indian cultures
eat goat, Jamaicans eat goat, Spaniards eat goat, goat
is eaten all over Mexico, Africa, most anywhere. As a
matter of fact cows were brought to the Americas by the
Spaniards (around 1521). Before that, they probably
ate goat.
We decided to buy some Cabrito and find out for ourselves.
We found two very nice Cabrito steaks at our favorite
Mexican Market. The steaks had the look of beef but leaner,
more red and smaller. it was not cheap.
To prepare the meat we rubbed it in soft butter and then
generous proportions of Knox's Jamaican Jerk BBQ dry rub.
They where baked until the meat thermometer registered
medium rare for lamb. Our meat thermometer does not have
a setting for goat. They cooked up rather nicely. It tasted
like beef but different. We liked it very much although next time I
think we will try a curry or maybe smoked. Although unfamiliar
to our pallets goat has an excellent taste and texture. If
that is not enough to get you to go out and purchase some
Cabrito for the BBQ, it is also good for you.
Some Extra Goat Knowledge;
-
Goat has as little fat as chicken
-
Goat has less saturated fat as chicken.
-
Goat has the same amount of protein
or more than beef, lamb, chicken or pork
-
Goat has more iron than all of them
(http://www.triquestboergoats.com/cabrito.htm).
Once I knew this, Cabrito seemed to be
more like a super food treat than exotic meat. Next time
we taste test a Cabrito recipe we will make sure to post
it.
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