Saddle up, folks! If you’re craving a taste of the Wild West, look no further. We’ve got 20 deliciously rustic recipes that’ll transport you to a dusty trail or a cozy campfire. From slow-cooked beans to smoky steaks, and from chili to cornbread, we’ve rounded up the best cowboy-inspired dishes to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re a seasoned cowpoke or just looking for some down-home comfort food, these hearty recipes are sure to please. So grab your apron, fire up the grill or stove, and get ready to dig in to some good ol’ fashioned cowboy cuisine.
Slow-Cooked Cowboy Beans with Bacon
Get ready for a hearty and flavorful twist on classic cowboy beans! This slow-cooked recipe combines tender beans, crispy bacon, and savory spices that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium-high heat until crispy, then set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the soaked beans, beef broth, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon and onion mixture.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Smoky Cowboy Steak with Whiskey Glaze
Get ready to saddle up to a flavor frontier with this mouth-watering steak recipe, smothered in a rich whiskey glaze and infused with the deep flavors of smoked paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs flank steak
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup whiskey (such as bourbon or scotch)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the flank steak, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Meanwhile, combine whiskey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Brush the whiskey glaze over the steak during the last minute of cooking.
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Campfire Dutch Oven Chili
Campfire Dutch Oven Chili: A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings. This recipe yields a rich, thick chili that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cups canned tomatoes
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Dutch oven over the campfire or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in the Dutch oven, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the chopped bell peppers, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the water to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let the chili cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Grilled Cowboy Burgers with Piled-High Toppings
Get ready for a taste of the Wild West with these juicy cowboy burgers, piled high with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or tailgating party.
Ingredients:
– 4 hamburger buns
– 8 ounces ground beef
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 6 slices of bacon
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
– Mayonnaise or your favorite topping sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Form ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill burgers for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. While burgers are cooking, cook bacon slices in a pan until crispy.
5. Assemble burgers by spreading mayonnaise on the bun, followed by a patty, crumbled blue cheese (if using), crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese.
6. Top with lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Dry Rub
Texas-Style Beef Brisket with Dry Rub: A Classic Recipe with a Deep-Fried Flavor
This recipe yields a tender and flavorful beef brisket, dry-rubbed with a blend of spices that’s quintessential to Texas-style barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole beef brisket (5-6 pounds)
– 1/4 cup dry rub mixture (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dry Rub Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon coriander
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix dry rub mixture.
3. Rub the brisket all over with the dry rub, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven or heavy-duty foil pan.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Rustic Cowboy Breakfast Skillet
Start your day with a hearty, cowboy-approved breakfast that’s packed with protein and flavor. This skillet recipe combines scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sautéed bell peppers, and creamy hash browns for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 large bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup of frozen hash browns, thawed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the hash browns to the skillet and stir to combine with the bell pepper and drippings. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
7. Serve the breakfast skillet hot, topped with crispy bacon and garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Cowboy Sausage and Egg Sandwich
Get ready for a flavorful breakfast or brunch with this spicy twist on the classic sausage and egg sandwich. This recipe combines the richness of scrambled eggs, the spiciness of cowboy sausage, and the crunch of crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy cowboy sausage (such as Andouille or chorizo)
– 2 large eggs
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: hot sauce, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and crispy.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with butter until cooked through.
5. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the scrambled eggs on toasted bread, then adding sliced sausage.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add optional toppings as desired.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Wild West Cowboy Chicken and Dumplings
Experience the heartwarming comfort of the Wild West with this hearty chicken and dumpling recipe, perfect for a cowboy’s breakfast or a family dinner. Rich flavors and tender textures come together in this easy-to-make dish that’ll make you feel like you’re ridin’ into camp.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, sauté chicken in oil until cooked through.
3. Add flour mixture and stir; gradually add chicken broth and water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare dumplings by mixing flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the pot; cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hobo Tin Foil Packet Potatoes
Hobo Tin Foil Packet Potatoes: A Simple Campfire Delight
This classic camping recipe is a staple for outdoor enthusiasts and backyard chefs alike. By wrapping potatoes, veggies, and seasonings in foil, you’ll create a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: any additional seasonings you like (e.g. paprika, chili powder, or dried herbs)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
3. In a large piece of tin foil, place a layer of potato chunks.
4. Add a sprinkle of chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic on top.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional desired seasonings.
6. Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a packet, leaving room for steam to escape.
7. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Southwestern Cowboy Quesadillas
Get ready to ride into the flavor zone with these spicy Southwestern Cowboy Quesadillas! A perfect blend of melted cheese, savory chicken, and bold spices wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla, then top with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and slightly charred.
5. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes or until crispy.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve warm with sour cream and salsa, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sourdough Cowboy Biscuits with Gravy
Get ready to rustle up a plate of flaky, buttery goodness with this cowboy-approved recipe that combines the tanginess of sourdough with the richness of homemade gravy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream or buttermilk
– Gravy ingredients: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sourdough starter, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. Pour in heavy cream or buttermilk and stir until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Roll out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use biscuit cutters or the rim of a glass to create rounds.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Gravy:
1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened to your liking.
Trailside Cowboy Cornbread with Honey Butter
Get ready to rustle up a warm and cozy treat that’s perfect for snacking on the go or serving at your next campfire gathering. This Trailside Cowboy Cornbread with Honey Butter is a sweet and savory combination that’s sure to please even the heartiest of appetites.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey butter (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and honey. Add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Honey Butter:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons honey
Mix together softened butter and honey until smooth. Serve with warm cornbread.
Cast Iron Skillet Cowboy Ribeye
Experience the bold flavors of the American West with this hearty Cast Iron Skillet Cowboy Ribeye recipe, perfect for a satisfying dinner or camping trip. A tender and juicy ribeye steak is cooked to perfection in a hot skillet, served with a rich and tangy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) ribeye steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat cast iron skillet over high heat.
2. Season steak with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Add olive oil and butter to skillet; swirl to combine.
4. Sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness.
5. Remove steak from skillet; set aside.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low; add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.
7. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve steak with warm sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: approximately 12-15 minutes
One-Pot Cowboy Pasta with Smoked Sausage
Get ready for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This One-Pot Cowboy Pasta with Smoked Sausage is an easy and flavorful recipe that combines pasta, smoked sausage, and vegetables in one pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or rotini)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp. dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, cooked pasta, browned sausage, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Open-Fire Cowboy Hot Dogs with Jalapeños
Gather ’round the campfire and get ready for a flavorful twist on classic hot dogs! This recipe combines juicy hot dogs, crunchy jalapeños, and savory spices to create a cowboy-approved snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 hot dogs
– 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking oil or non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your open fire or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place hot dogs on a stick or skewer, leaving a small space between each dog.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Brush the mixture evenly onto the hot dogs, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Add sliced jalapeños to the hot dogs, about 1-2 slices per dog.
6. Cook the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re nicely charred and heated through.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Southwest Cowboy Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze
This hearty meatloaf recipe combines the flavors of the American Southwest with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, perfect for a cowboy-approved dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped green chilies
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup BBQ glaze (see below)
BBQ Glaze:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, green chilies, onion, garlic, egg, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Shape into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatloaf is cooking, prepare the BBQ glaze by whisking together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
6. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the BBQ glaze over the meatloaf.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Smothered Cowboy Pork Chops with Onions
A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, smothered cowboy pork chops are a crowd-pleaser. Tender pork chops smothered in a rich onion and brown sugar glaze make this recipe a true showstopper.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Transfer pork chops to a baking dish. Top each chop with sliced onions, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until pork chops reach internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ranch-Style Cowboy Mac and Cheese
Ranch-Style Cowboy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Get ready for a comforting twist on classic macaroni and cheese with the addition of tangy ranch dressing! This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a cowboy-themed party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk, ranch seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cowboy Campfire Nachos with Pulled Pork
Gather ’round the campsite and get ready for a hearty snack that’s sure to please even the most rugged of cowboys. These Cowboy Campfire Nachos with Pulled Pork are an easy and delicious way to fuel up after a long day on the range.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup pulled pork (cooked and shredded)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire grill or a conventional oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
3. Spread the pulled pork evenly over the tortilla chips.
4. Mix the softened cream cheese with chopped green onions and diced jalapeño pepper. Spoon this mixture over the pulled pork.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Cowboy Ribs
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional ribs with this sweet and spicy cowboy recipe. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or dinner party, these tender and juicy ribs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from ribs and apply the sweet and spicy rub evenly, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place ribs on a large baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
5. Finish with barbecue sauce and serve.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including barbecue sauce time)
Summary
Get ready to rustle up some serious flavor with these 20 hearty cowboy recipes! From classic campfire chili and slow-cooked beans to whiskey-glazed steak and spicy sausage sandwiches, there’s something for every cowboy craving. Try your hand at tender beef brisket, crispy cornbread, or gooey mac and cheese – and don’t forget the pulled pork nachos! Whether you’re a city slicker or a true-blue rancher, these recipes are sure to satisfy your rustic cravings.
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