Carne Esmechada

literally "shredded meat" from the time my family lived in Venezuela. This is very similar to pull pork barbecue.

This dish is great for using up leftover meat. Roast a chicken, pull off all the meat and cook it up Venezuelan style.

This can be used as a main dish, taco or enchilada filling, or traditionally to fill arepas.

I usually adjust to flavors to what I have on hand, but here is a basic recipe to give you an idea:

2 Tbls olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red pepper, 1 yellow pepper., diced
3 cups shredded cooked meat - (chicken, turkey, pork, beef) (no skin)
1/2 - 1full Tbls ground cumin
2-4 Tbls vinegar - white, apple cider, or sherry if you have it

Optional additions:
raisins or dried fruit, honey for sweetness, chipotle for smoke, spice

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet until hot. Saute the onions and peppers for about 5 minutes, add the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for 10-20min. Don't add all the flavors at once. Taste as you go and add more acid (vinegar) or sweet as you deem appropriate.