Jellied Pig's Feet

Authentic Hungarian Jellied Pig's Feet Recipe

Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Jellied Pig's Feet is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This dish is made by simmering pig's feet in a flavorful broth until they become tender, then chilling the mixture until it sets into a delicious jelly. It may sound unusual, but this dish is surprisingly tasty and makes for a unique addition to any meal.

History

Jellied Pig's Feet has its origins in Eastern European cuisine, where it is known as "zult." This dish was popular among peasants and working-class individuals, as it made use of inexpensive cuts of meat and utilized every part of the animal. Over time, it has become a beloved comfort food in many cultures around the world.

Ingredients

2.5 or 3 lb (1.36 kg) of small or medium-sized pig's feet, scrubbed clean and split
2 medium-sized onions, peeled
2 large carrots, sliced
3 cloves of whole garlic, peeled
2 tsp of good hungarian paprika
2 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of mixed spice

How to prepare

Place pigs feet in a 2 qt (1.89 liter) pot of water and bring to a boil.
Discard the water.
Rinse the feet with cold water.
Add another 2 qt (1.89 liter) of cold water along with the onions, carrots, garlic, paprika, salt, and mixed spice.
Cook for approximately 3 hours or until the feet become tender.
Continuously skim the water to maintain a clear broth.
Transfer the feet to a serving dish that fits in the refrigerator.
Strain the broth and pour it over the feet, then refrigerate.
Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Variations

You can add vinegar or lemon juice to the broth for a tangy flavor.
For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the broth.
You can also add diced vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, or potatoes to the dish for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim the broth regularly while cooking to remove any impurities and ensure a clear jelly.

- For a richer flavor, you can add herbs such as bay leaves, thyme, or parsley to the broth.

- To speed up the chilling process, you can place the dish in the freezer for a few hours before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Jellied Pig's Feet can be served cold as an appetizer or as a main course with a side of pickles and mustard. It pairs well with crusty bread and a light salad.

Cooking Techniques

Jellied Pig's Feet is traditionally cooked by simmering the ingredients in a pot on the stovetop. However, you can also use a slow cooker or pressure cooker for convenience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pig's feet are not available, you can use pork hocks or shanks as a substitute. You can also use chicken feet or beef trotters for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Jellied Pig's Feet can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

To serve Jellied Pig's Feet, unmold the dish onto a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or sliced vegetables. You can also drizzle with olive oil or balsamic vinegar for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Jellied Pig's Feet pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. It also goes well with pickles, mustard, and crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Jellied Pig's Feet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a pot and gently warm over low heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Jellied Pig's Feet contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Jellied Pig's Feet contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Jellied Pig's Feet contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Jellied Pig's Feet contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Jellied Pig's Feet is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Jellied Pig's Feet may contain allergens such as pork and garlic.

Summary

Jellied Pig's Feet is a high-protein dish that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or appetizer.

Summary

Jellied Pig's Feet is a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its rich flavors and tender texture, this dish is a true comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional recipe and savor the delicious taste of Jellied Pig's Feet.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of my grandmother's recipes that had been tucked away in the attic for years. As I sifted through yellowed and tattered pieces of paper, I stumbled upon a small, handwritten note that simply read "Jellied Pig's Feet."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I couldn't imagine what it would taste like. But my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a try.

I brought the note downstairs to my grandmother, who was sitting at the kitchen table sipping on a cup of tea. I showed her the recipe and asked if she had ever made it before. Her eyes lit up with recognition as she read the ingredients and instructions.

"Oh, jellied pig's feet! That brings back memories," she exclaimed. "I learned how to make that dish many years ago from an old friend of mine who used to cook at a fancy restaurant in the city. It's a traditional dish in some cultures, and it's actually quite delicious if you prepare it right."

I was both surprised and intrigued by my grandmother's revelation. I had always known her to be a wonderful cook, but I had never imagined her making something as unique as jellied pig's feet. I asked her to teach me how to make it, and she happily agreed.

We set to work gathering the ingredients: fresh pig's feet, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and gelatin. My grandmother explained that the key to making a good jellied pig's feet was to cook the pig's feet slowly until the meat was tender and falling off the bone, and to make sure the broth was rich and flavorful.

As we chopped the vegetables and simmered the pig's feet on the stove, my grandmother shared stories of her own experiences with the dish. She told me about the first time she had tasted jellied pig's feet at a party thrown by her friend, and how she had been so impressed by the flavors and textures that she had begged for the recipe.

"It's a labor of love, this dish," she said as she stirred the pot. "But the end result is worth it. The gelatin sets beautifully, and the flavors meld together in a way that is truly special."

After several hours of simmering and skimming off any impurities that rose to the surface, the pig's feet were tender and the broth was rich and fragrant. We strained the broth and set it aside to cool, then picked the meat off the bones and added it back to the broth along with the gelatin.

We poured the mixture into a mold and placed it in the refrigerator to set overnight. The next day, we unmolded the jellied pig's feet onto a platter and garnished it with fresh herbs and sliced vegetables.

As we sat down to taste our creation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The jellied pig's feet was a beautiful dish, with a shimmering, translucent appearance and a rich, savory flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

My grandmother smiled as she watched me take my first bite. "I'm so glad I could share this recipe with you," she said. "It's a part of my culinary heritage, and now it's a part of yours too."

And so, thanks to my grandmother's guidance and the discovery of that old handwritten note in the attic, I learned how to make jellied pig's feet. It's a recipe that has become a beloved tradition in our family, and one that I will cherish for years to come.