Barbados Barbeque Pig Tails is a traditional dish from the Caribbean island of Barbados that is renowned for its rich, smoky flavor and tender, succulent meat. This dish involves slow-cooking pig tails in a savory barbecue sauce until they are tender and flavorful. The result is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Barbados Barbeque Pig Tails has deep roots in Barbadian culture, representing a blend of African, Caribbean, and European culinary influences. Traditionally, pig tails were an inexpensive and accessible cut of meat, often used by locals to create flavorful and satisfying meals. Over generations, this dish has become a beloved staple in Barbadian cuisine, often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions. The recipe has been passed down through families, with each adding their unique touch to the barbecue sauce, resulting in a variety of flavor profiles across the island.

To make Barbados Barbeque Pig Tails, you will need the following

ingredients:

1- 2 lbs pig tails

2- 1 onion, chopped

3- 2 cloves garlic, minced

4- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

5- 1/2 cup ketchup

6- 1/4 cup brown sugar

7- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

8- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

9- 1 tsp dry mustard

10- 1/2 tsp paprika

11- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1- Rinse pig tails and place them in a large pot of boiling water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour until the pig tails are tender.

2- Remove pig tails from the pot and set them aside to cool.

3- In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in the vegetable oil until they are tender.

4- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

5- Add the pig tails to the saucepan and stir to coat them in the barbecue sauce.

6- Simmer the pig tails in the barbecue sauce for 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the pig tails are coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze.

7- Serve the Barbados Barbeque Pig Tails hot with your favorite sides such as rice and peas, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Notes:

1- You can also cook pig tails in a slow cooker on low heat for 8 hours if you prefer a hands-off cooking method.

2- For an extra kick, you can add hot sauce or scotch bonnet pepper to the barbecue sauce.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients:

1. 2 lbs pig tails

- calories: Approximately 1,600-1,800 calories

- carbohydrates: 0 grams

- protein: 140-160 grams

- fat: 120-140 grams

- sodium: Depends on preparation, generally low if unprocessed

- cholesterol: High, around 800-1,000 milligrams

- vitamins: B vitamins (B6, B12), fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K

- minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus

- nutritional benefit: High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair; provides important vitamins and minerals for overall health.

2. 1 onion, chopped

- calories: Approximately 40-50 calories

- carbohydrates: 10-12 grams

- protein: 1-2 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: Low, around 2-5 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Vitamin C, B6, folate

- minerals: Potassium, manganese

- nutritional benefit: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, supports immune function, and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. 2 cloves garlic, minced

- calories: Approximately 8-10 calories

- carbohydrates: 2 grams

- protein: 0.5 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: 1-2 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Vitamin C, B6

- minerals: Manganese, selenium

- nutritional benefit: Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, supports immune health, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

4. 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- calories: Approximately 240 calories

- carbohydrates: 0 grams

- protein: 0 grams

- fat: 28 grams

- sodium: 0 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Vitamin E

- minerals: None significant

- nutritional benefit: Provides essential fatty acids, supports heart health, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

5. 1/2 cup ketchup

- calories: Approximately 120-150 calories

- carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

- protein: 2-3 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: 800-900 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Vitamin A, C

- minerals: Potassium

- nutritional benefit: Adds flavor and some vitamins; however, high in sugar and sodium.

6. 1/4 cup brown sugar

- calories: Approximately 200 calories

- carbohydrates: 52 grams

- protein: 0 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: 15-20 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins

- minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium

- nutritional benefit: Adds sweetness and enhances flavor, contains small amounts of minerals.

7. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- calories: Approximately 10-15 calories

- carbohydrates: 0 grams

- protein: 0 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: 0 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C

- minerals: Potassium

- nutritional benefit: Can aid digestion, supports weight management, and has antibacterial properties.

8. 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

- calories: Approximately 15-20 calories

- carbohydrates: 3-4 grams

- protein: 0 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: 150-200 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin C

- minerals: Potassium, iron

- nutritional benefit: Adds depth of flavor, contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

9. 1 tsp dry mustard

- calories: Approximately 5-10 calories

- carbohydrates: 0.5-1 grams

- protein: 0.3 grams

- fat: 0.3 grams

- sodium: 0-5 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin A, C

- minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium

- nutritional benefit: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

10. 1/2 tsp paprika

- calories: Approximately 3-5 calories

- carbohydrates: 1 gram

- protein: 0.2 grams

- fat: 0.2 grams

- sodium: 0-2 milligrams

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: Vitamin A, E

- minerals: Iron, magnesium

- nutritional benefit: Adds color and flavor, rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

11. Salt and pepper to taste

- calories: 0 calories

- carbohydrates: 0 grams

- protein: 0 grams

- fat: 0 grams

- sodium: Variable based on amount used

- cholesterol: 0 milligrams

- vitamins: None significant

- minerals: Pepper contains small amounts of minerals like manganese

- nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor, with pepper providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brand and preparation method.

Barbados Barbeque Pig Tails are a high-protein, high-fat dish that is perfect for satisfying your hunger and providing you with energy. However, it is important to eat this dish in moderation as it is high in calories and saturated fat. Pair it with healthy sides such as a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance out your meal.