Let's Get to Tailgatin'! Dub Shack BBQ Presents BBQ Spaghetti

As football season continues and the recipe ideas grow, Part 9 of the Tailgating for Everyone barbecue series presents barbecue spaghetti. Best known as a Memphis-area specialty, this pork-based recipe is yet another perfect solution for all of that leftover pulled pork in the freezer. You can also smoke a pork shoulder or Boston butt for the freshest of the pig; consequently, the big bag tucked away works wonders.

INGREDIENTS

 1 lb. spaghetti noodles

1 can tomato sauce

12 oz. diced tomatoes

Minced garlic

Bell peppers/onions, if desired

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. each kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, The Truth all-purpose rub

Barbecue sauce (I’m using The Truth BBQ sauce)

STEP ONE. If you are using leftover pulled pork, the preferred method is to let the protein thaw out first. This way you do not find yourself dumping in too much pork at one time when the time comes to add it into the recipe. Saute all of the vegetables except the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes or until tender, and then add the garlic for the fragrancy for another minute or two.

STEP TWO. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, BBQ sauce, the rub, and pulled pork to the mixture and let it get happy for 45 minutes to 1 hour over low heat stirring occasionally.

STEP THREE. Prepare pasta according to the instructions and drain.

STEP FOUR. Remove pasta from the heat and pour sauce in the same pot. Add the remaining mixture to the pot combining them until satisfaction – and that includes the remaining pulled pork and more of The Truth sauce.

The very first time I had this recipe was back in 2000 after a job fair in Memphis with a vanload of people from HSU when we stopped at a West Memphis catfish restaurant whose name escapes me, and boy, it was a good combination with said fried catfish and pickled green tomatoes. Unfortunately, I did not get the job I was originally interested in – and I shall not speak of the debacle of losing that WorldCom store right before graduation thanks to that company’s bankruptcy and sudden dissolved state. Nevertheless, barbecue spaghetti is tailgate food taken a step up from the normal hot dogs and hamburgers that can be enjoyed from the pickup or as a way to use up some of that leftover pulled pork. What I will say is this:  Be blessed, be safe, spread the word that every day is a GREAT day for barbecue, and go eat something awesome this week!