Armadillo Meatballs

Doesn't this creature look absolutely scrumptuous?


A new study finds that armadillos carry the bacterium that causes leprosy, and have somehow passed the disease to several dozen humans in the southern United States.

"It's important to realize that the risk of contracting leprosy (also known as Hansen's disease) from armadillos "is still infinitesimally small."

Results of the study are published in the April 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"This is a warning for people in the south and southwest who might have environmental exposure to stay away from armadillos".

The study authors recommend that frequent direct contact with armadillos should be discouraged, as should consumption of armadillo meat.

    .....BUT if you just really want some anyway....


Armadillo Meat Balls

~ 1 lb cooked armadillo meat, ground
~ 1 egg
~ 2 tbsp minced celery
~ 2 tbsp minced onion
~ 1 tbsp minced parsley
~ 1 tsp salt
~ 1/2 tsp pepper
~ flour
~ 2 tablespoons olive oil

In a bowl, mix together the meat, egg, celery, onion, parsley, salt and pepper.

Form into 1 inch balls and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Turn crockpot on high with the olive oil and let preheat about 10-15 minutes, depending on how quickly your crockery heats.

Roll the meat balls in the flour.

Place in crockpot. After about 3 minutes, gently rearrange meatballs in the crockpot with a spoon, as you would in the frying pan.

After about 3 more minutes, gently rearrange once again and turn crockpot on low. Continue cooking on low for 4 or 5 hours.

photo obtained from Wikimedia Commons

Don't know exactly what to do with the Armadillo after you catch it? Me either, but I found killing, gutting, cleaning and cooking instructions on Yahoo.


Armadillos need to be handled carefully due to a form of leprosy. I have, on several occasions, had armadillo while in South Texas and Mexico. They take the animal and feed it corn for several days to clear its dietary track. The armadillo is killed by a knife strike to severe the head, then the shell is split along the sides. Remove the organs and wash. The shell, skin, and meat are then cooked in a oven until done. Remove the meat and peel the skin. Flavor with chili's and add beans and onions, and put back into the top shell for serving. Serve with cornbread, jalapenos, and cold beer.

It's an aquired taste.

Source of information: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090402071929AAFvbnU