Unique Dishes West Texans Include In Their Thanksgiving Meal

I might be a little biased, but West Texas truly has some of the best food in the state. Our Tex-Mex fusion has gained recognition across the U.S., attracting many people to Texas to experience it. I love that I can enjoy authentic Mexican food so close to home, and I believe the farther west you travel, the better the food becomes.

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I recently had a conversation with someone from Pennsylvania about our food in West Texas. With Thanksgiving approaching, we started discussing our ideal holiday meal. During the conversation, I mentioned several dishes that surprised them. They couldn't understand why we included Mexican rice and refried beans in our Thanksgiving spread.

After this conversation, I got curious about what else we West Texans include in our Turkey Day meal that other places would find odd. I decided to ask the Permian Basin about dishes they consider traditional but people from outside the area wouldn't.

Here are the dishes West Texans need to have with their Thanksgiving meal.

TAMALES

Tamales are made with masa, a dough made from ground corn and usually wrapped in a corn husk. The fillings vary from cheeses, chicken, beef, and many others. The most common filling is pork. This was the most common dish West Texans included with their holiday meal.

ASADO

Asado is pork pieces simmered in homemade red chile sauce. Every family makes it differently and usually, there is always one designated asado maker for all the events. If the designated Asado family member doesn't bring it, there will be an uproar.

BRISKET

A brisket is a cut of beef you have to slow cook. This dish may seem easy to prepare but is easy to mess up. Show up to the family function with a dry brisket, and you will probably get disowned.

CHITLINS (CHITTERLINGS)

Chitlins are commonly made from pig intestines but can be made from many other animals. They are cooked in different ways like boiled, fried, or stuffed. It just depends on who is making it. Chitlins take time and skill to prepare so it seems right to save them for special occasions like Thanksgiving.

You can say what you want about the Permian Basin, but one thing is certain: we know how to cook!