The language with olives

Delicious Recipe: Tongue with Olives and Tomato Sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a meal that brings the family together? Tongue with olives and tomato sauce is a savory dish that brings a touch of nostalgia with every bite. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want to impress your loved ones with something special, but without putting in excessive effort in the kitchen. Let’s discover together how to achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients

- 4 pieces of pork tongue (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 300 ml of tomato juice or puree
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lemon, peeled and sliced
- 200 g of olives (green or black, according to preference)
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Details

Pork tongue is a delicate meat, rich in protein and nutrients. Make sure it is fresh, and the texture should be firm. You can find pork tongue at butcher shops or supermarkets, and if you want a more intense flavor, you can opt for smoked tongue.

Olives add a salty taste and a pleasant contrast to the tomato sauce. Depending on your preference, you can use green or black olives. Green olives are easier to digest, while black ones offer a deeper flavor.

Tomato juice or puree is the key ingredient that ties all the flavors together. You can use store-bought tomato juice, but for a more natural taste, I recommend using fresh tomatoes that you can puree.

Steps for Preparation

1. Preparing the tongue: Wash the 4 pieces of pork tongue well under cold water, removing any impurities and fat. Then, place them in a large pot with cold water and boil over medium heat. When a fork easily pierces the meat, it is cooked correctly. This process takes about 45 minutes.

2. Cleaning the tongue: After the tongue has boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Carefully remove the white, rough membrane from the surface of the meat, then slice the tongue into pieces about 1.5 cm thick.

3. Cooking the sauce: Use the water in which the tongue boiled to prepare the sauce. Add the chopped onion to the pot and boil over medium heat. When the onion becomes soft and translucent, add the slices of tongue, tomato juice, and bay leaf. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.

4. Adding olives and oil: Once the foam formed by the tomato juice has disappeared, add the olive oil and olives. Let the dish simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to combine and intensify.

5. Finalizing the dish: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, add the lemon slices and let it simmer for a few more minutes. The lemon will add a note of freshness, balancing the flavors.

Serving

This recipe is perfect served alongside a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. You can also add some toasted bread slices to savor the delicious sauce.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Cooking the tongue: If you want to save time, you can boil the tongue a day in advance and leave it in the fridge. The next day, preparing the sauce will be much quicker.
- Olives: If using salty olives, make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the pot. This will prevent the dish from being too salty.
- Vegetarian version: You can adapt this recipe by using mushrooms or tofu instead of tongue to create a tasty vegan dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Pork tongue is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Olives are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, beneficial for heart health. Tomato juice contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use beef tongue instead of pork tongue?
Absolutely! Beef tongue will offer a different but equally delicious taste.

2. Can I replace tomato juice with ready-made tomato sauce?
Yes, but I recommend choosing a quality sauce without preservatives and additives.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The dish keeps well in the fridge, tightly sealed, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Ideal Pairings

This tongue with olives pairs perfectly with a dry white wine that will complement the delicious flavors of the dish. You can also experiment with a mint lemonade cocktail that will provide a refreshing note.

In conclusion, tongue with olives and tomato sauce is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings the family to the table, creating unforgettable moments. Experiment with the ingredients and find the perfect combination that represents you! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 4 pieces of pork tongue, 1 onion, broth or tomato juice, 1 bay leaf, 1 lemon, 200 g olives, 4 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

 Tags:  pig language olives tomato juice lemon olive oil salt pepper