The Kentucky Derby is a world-famous horse race held each year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby sometimes referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is the first leg of Thoroughbred Racing’s Triple Crown, which is followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses and is 1 1/4 miles long. The Kentucky Derby is famous for its lavish hats, mint juleps, and the performance of “My Old Kentucky Home” before the race.
The Kentucky Derby is a time-honored tradition held annually for hundreds of years. Aside from having the horse racing betting terms explained to you before the race, one of the most popular features of the Derby is the delectable cuisine offered during the event.
The classic Kentucky Burgoo, a substantial stew cooked with a combination of meats, veggies, and spices, is a must-try for any Derby-goer. We’ll provide you with a recipe for a tasty Kentucky Derby burgoo that you may sample before the race and highlight the history behind this delicious stew.
The History of the Kentucky Burgoo Recipe
Burgoo has been served at the Kentucky Derby since the early twentieth century. Burgoo, a sort of stew cooked with various meats and vegetables, was a popular food among Kentucky’s working-class people.
It was frequently served at big gatherings like church picnics and political rallies. It became a traditional snack at the Kentucky Derby as it rose in popularity.
Many Louisville restaurants and caterers now serve their own version of the dish, and it can be found on Derby Day at numerous food stalls throughout Churchill Downs. Some families create their own burgoo and bring it to the racetrack to share with their friends and relatives.
Ingredients of the Dish
Since the Kentucky Burgoo was a working-class dish, it does not include any fancy ingredients, making it the perfect dish to prepare at home. There are many different versions of the dish but let’s highlight the traditional one and find out what you’ll need to prepare it before the race.
- 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Kentucky Burgoo at Home
The preparation process for this is also simple enough, and you don’t need to be a chef to execute a perfect Burgoo stew. With that said, it is worth noting that it takes a couple of hours to prepare a good Burgoo dish at home, so make sure to have plenty of time before starting.
- Put Brown the beef, pork, and chicken in batches in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Take the meats out of the saucepan as they turn brown and set them aside.
- Cook until the onions and garlic are softened in the saucepan.
- Stir in the smoked sausage, carrots, celery, potatoes, corn, and tomatoes to mix.
- Stir in the beef broth, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and thyme to mix.
- Bring the meats back to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meats and veggies are soft.
- Season the burgoo with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the burgoo hot, with a side of cornbread or biscuits.
Why the Kentucky Derby Burgoo Dish is So Popular
The Kentucky Derby burgoo recipe is well-known for several reasons. For starters, it’s a classic meal that has been served at the Kentucky Derby for many years and has been ingrained in the event’s traditions.
It’s a hearty stew that’s ideal for the milder temps of early May, and it’s simple to share with friends and family, making it an excellent choice for a Derby party. Furthermore, the recipe is adaptable; it can be readily tweaked to meet diverse tastes and dietary requirements, allowing it to be enjoyed by everybody.
Another reason the burgoo recipe is so popular is that it is a cheap, easy-to-make dish that can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for huge gatherings like the Derby. It also has a distinct and delectable flavor, which is a savory and pleasant blend of various meats, veggies, and spices.
Finally, the Kentucky Derby is a southern cultural occasion, and burgoo is a classic southern food. Eating burgoo during the Kentucky Derby is a chance to participate in and celebrate the region’s rich cuisine traditions.
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