Pork jelly

Pork head cheese – a traditional recipe for holidays

Pork head cheese, a popular dish in many households, is a symbol of the New Year's Eve table, filling tables with flavor and family memories. This delicacy, also known as aspic, is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dish. I invite you to discover the steps to achieve a delicious pork head cheese, with a perfect consistency and enchanting flavors.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients for head cheese:
- 2 sliced pig feet (about 1 kg)
- Half a pig head (with ear, about 1.5 kg)
- 3 carrots
- 1 tablespoon whole pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2-3 onions

Ingredients for garlic sauce:
- 2-3 heads of garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by thoroughly cleaning the pig ear. Wash it with cold water and, if necessary, remove any impurities. Then, cut the pig head into smaller pieces, making sure to discard the snout (the portion of meat with a lot of fat and cartilage).

2. Cooking the ingredients: Place the meat in a large 8-liter pot. Fill it with water, leaving about 3 fingers of space from the edge of the pot. It is important that the water is added only once at the beginning, without topping up later, to achieve a clear broth.

3. Skimming and seasoning: Place the pot on medium heat, and once the water starts to boil, foam will form on the surface. Make sure to remove it with a skimmer. After skimming well, add the sliced carrots, salt, and pepper. Adding 2-3 whole onions will help achieve a clear and aromatic broth.

4. Slow cooking: Let the meat simmer for 3-4 hours on low heat until it easily separates from the bones. It is essential that the water reduces by more than half, so that the broth is concentrated and flavorful.

5. Preparing the garlic sauce: While the meat is cooking, clean the garlic and crush it. Mix it with a teaspoon of salt to obtain an aromatic garlic sauce that you will add to the broth later.

6. Removing the meat: Once the meat is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and carefully take the meat out onto a tray. Portion the meat off the bones, being careful not to burn yourself. If you prefer, you can also remove the skin and some of the fat.

7. Arranging in bowls: Place the meat in bowls, adding, if desired, slices of boiled carrot and boiled peas for decoration.

8. Straining the broth: In the remaining broth, add the previously prepared garlic sauce and mix well. Strain the broth through a fine sieve to eliminate any impurities. This step will ensure a very clear and appetizing head cheese.

9. Final assembly: Pour the strained broth over the meat in the bowls, making sure it is well covered. Allow the dish to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate it. The head cheese will set in a few hours.

10. Serving: Once the head cheese has set, it is ready to serve! It can be accompanied by a slice of fresh bread or pickles, and a glass of red wine will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Practical tips:
- It is important not to add water during cooking, as this will make the broth cloudy.
- If you want a more aromatic head cheese, you can also add a few allspice berries or bay leaves during cooking.
- For a more attractive appearance, you can use silicone molds to create individual portions.

Nutritional information:
Pork head cheese is an excellent source of protein, due to its high meat content. It also contains collagen from the bones, beneficial for skin and joints. Depending on the ingredients used, a serving of head cheese can have approximately 200-300 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can try adding chicken or beef, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the head cheese spicier?
You can add more garlic or even a few dried chili peppers to the cooking broth.

3. What other dishes pair well with head cheese?
Head cheese can be combined with cabbage salads, pickles, or, for a special appetizer, with a platter of cold cuts.

4. How long can head cheese be kept in the refrigerator?
Head cheese can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it is recommended to consume it within 3-4 days to enjoy its freshness.

Pork head cheese is more than just a dish; it is a part of traditions and family stories. So, take your time to enjoy the cooking process, create new memories, and share this dish with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 2 sliced sausages, half a pig's head (with ear), 3 carrots, 1 tablespoon of peppercorns, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2-3 onions. For the garlic sauce: 2-3 heads of garlic + 1 teaspoon of salt.

 Tags:  pork jelly jellied meat pig cold cuts new year's dishes pork dishes