Cold symptoms

Delicious jellies: a traditional dish, full of nostalgia and flavor

Total time: 24 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Jellies are a classic dish that evokes pleasant childhood memories and brings a touch of warmth to every meal. This dish is often associated with holidays and family gatherings, but it can also be enjoyed on ordinary days. Jellies are an excellent choice for those who appreciate rich flavors and the texture of pork meat, and the recipe we propose today is simple yet extremely tasty.

The basic ingredients are essential for achieving a perfect jelly. Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients:
- 6 fresh pork trotters
- 1 kg lean pork (bone-free)
- ½ garlic clove
- 2 vegetable stock cubes
- Salt, to taste

Ingredient details:
Pork trotters are a traditional choice for this recipe, providing a rich taste and a gelatinous texture. Lean pork is important to balance the fat of the trotters, adding extra flavor. Garlic will enhance the aroma of the jellies, and the vegetable stock cubes will add depth. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the trotters
Start by cleaning the pork trotters. It is important to remove all hair strands to achieve a fine texture. Use a sharp knife and carefully scrape between your fingers. Once done, wash them well under cold running water and set aside.

Step 2: Cooking the ingredients
Place the trotters in a large pot, layering them. Cut the lean pork into thick slices and add them to the pot. Sprinkle salt and add the vegetable stock cubes. Pour in water until it reaches about 3 fingers above the ingredients.

Step 3: Boiling
Put the lid on the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the meat is tender. It is essential to maintain a constant temperature to achieve proper gelling.

Step 4: Cooling
After the cooking time has elapsed, turn off the heat and move the pot to concrete or a cold surface. Allow it to cool completely, preferably overnight. This process will help form a gelatinous texture, characteristic of jellies.

Step 5: Removing the fat
The next day, open the pot lid and observe the fat collected on the surface. Using a spoon, carefully remove this fat so as not to mix it with the gelatinous liquid below.

Step 6: Final preparation
Remove the meat and trotters from the remaining liquid and debone them. All bones and cartilage must be removed, leaving only tender meat. Add the crushed garlic to the remaining liquid, adjust the salt to taste, and bring to a boil.

Step 7: Assembling the jellies
Place the deboned meat and trotters in two baking dishes, then pour the strained liquid over them. Ensure that the liquid completely covers the meat and allow it to cool again, this time at room temperature, until it sets.

Serving and combinations
Jellies are wonderful served with red onion or a mustard paste. The spicy taste of mustard perfectly complements the flavor of the meat. If you want to add a touch of freshness, a sauerkraut salad will be the ideal accompaniment.

Nutritional benefits
Jellies are an excellent source of protein, and pork meat contains vitamins B12 and B6, essential for the health of the nervous system and metabolism. Additionally, the collagen from trotters contributes to the proper functioning of joints, being beneficial for skin and hair.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with beef or chicken, but the cooking time may vary.
2. How can I store the jellies?
Jellies store well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but they can be frozen for later use.
3. Is it necessary to use vegetable stock?
It is not essential, but it adds a rich flavor. You can also use fresh vegetables for a more natural taste.

Possible variations
If you want to customize the recipe, you can add spices like pepper or bay leaves during boiling. Also, a squeeze of lemon juice when serving can add a note of freshness.

Jellies are a versatile dish, perfect for enjoying throughout the year. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe will always bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your cooking!