Cattle Round-Up and BBQ This Weekend at Grieb Ranch

 

The cattle will be gathered this weekend so that we can work the new calves born in the Fall. We will go into the hills on horseback and bring our canine helpers to drive the cattle down the hill into the pen to work them. This activity takes many hands and as a thank you we provide a Santa Maria style BBQ.

Tri-Tip on the grill.

Tri-Tip on the grill.

What is a Santa Maria Style BBQ?

The meat cut originated in the Santa Maria California Valley. It is called Tri Tip due to the special cut which is a triangular bottom sirloin. Hunks of Tri Tip about 3 inches thick are cooked over a fire of red oak wood coals which are also unique to the California Central Coast. Salt, pepper and garlic salt are the only seasonings used. The fire pit grate with the meat is raised or lowered over the red hot coals to ensure the right temperature. It usually takes the meat about 45 minutes to cook. Once cooked, the meat is sliced and served in large stainless steel pans, letting each person to make their choice of doneness.

To compliment the delicious Tri-Tip, a special recipe of beans (which includes hamburger, bacon and onions) are served along with butter-drenched bread and salads that the ranchers might bring to the meal.

Grieb Ranch BBQ Beans – Here is the recipe we use at Grieb Ranch for the beans

3 lbs of Pinquito beans                                                  1 medium onions

1 lbs of hamburger                                                          1 tsp salt

1 strip of diced bacon                                                     1 Tbl chili powder

½ tsp. Garlic Powder

2 cans (8oz.) of tomato sauce

Clean beans (remove any rocks or floating bean skins) and soak in cold water overnight. If you are in a hurry and forgot to soak them, cover beans with about 2” of water in large pan, bring to a boil and turn off the burner. Let set for 1 hour and then resume cooking. Cook beans in a large kettle covered with 2” of water. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer until tender. 2-3 hours. You will have to add water from time to time. Always add hot water to keep the beans covered. When tender add 2 tsp. salt

One hour before serving (when beans are fairly tender) brown the following ingredients in a skillet: bacon, hamburger, chopped onion, chili and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

When beans are tender add the meat mixture. Simmer another ½ hour.

Happy Trails to You!