mini essentials: sloppy joe filling

How To Make mini essentials: sloppy joe filling

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Chef’s Note: I grind my own meats, and I am using charcoal steaks, but ground chuck from the butcher will do quite nicely.
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  Step 3
  Chef's Tip: Why go to the trouble of pureeing the diced tomatoes? Why not just use a can of tomato puree? Well, the reason is canned tomato puree is prepared in a different way; using heat, and even some sugars. I prefer the pure taste of pureed diced tomatoes. Besides, it is my recipe and I can do anything I so choose :-)
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  Step 4
  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 5
  Drain the liquid from the canned tomatoes, then add the tomatoes, and the pepperoni peppers to a blender, or a food processor, fitted with an S-blade
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  Step 6
  Puree, and reserve.
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  Step 7
  Chef's Note: I am using mild pepperoni peppers, but if you want to kick it up a bit, try going with hot. Lions and Tigers, Oh My...
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  Step 8
  Add the butter and grapeseed oil to a sauté pan over medium heat.
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  Step 9
  When the butter stops foaming, give the pan a swirl to mix with the oil, and then add the chopped onions.
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  Step 10
  Cook, until the onions soften, and begin to brown, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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  Step 11
  Add the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 – 60 seconds.
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  Step 12
  Add the chopped celery and carrots, and cook until the veggies begin to soften, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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  Step 13
  Chef’s Note: When you add the veggies, throw in a pinch of salt, to get the process started.
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  Step 14
  Add the beef, combine with the veggies, and cook until the beef browns, about 6 – 8 minutes.
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  Step 15
  Add the cumin, brown sugar, and black pepper, and then stir for 1 minute.
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  Step 16
  Chef’s Tip: If you like your sloppy joe’s a bit sweeter, add another teaspoon or two of coconut sugar.
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  Step 17
  Add the pureed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, apple-cider vinegar, and salsa.
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  Step 18
  Bring up to the simmer, and cook until it thickens.
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  Step 19
  I like to gently remove the excess liquid using a low heat. So the thickening process can take 30 minutes or longer. The rewards of waiting a bit longer will be a nice rich/mellow tasting meat.
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  Step 20
  Chef’s Note: While it is simmering do a final tasting for proper seasoning.
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  Step 21
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 22
  Place the meat on buns, and serve with pickles and chips. Enjoy.
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  Step 23
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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