Spicy Cow Tongue

Spicy Cow Tongue Recipe from Bolivia | Ingredients and Instructions

Region / culture: Bolivia | Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.

Introduction

Spicy Cow Tongue is a flavorful and unique dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. This recipe combines tender cow tongue with a spicy and savory sauce that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Cow tongue has been a popular ingredient in many cultures for centuries. It is often used in traditional dishes such as tacos, sandwiches, and stews. This recipe for Spicy Cow Tongue puts a delicious twist on a classic ingredient, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) tongue of cow
water sufficient to cook the tongue
0.5 cup oil
2 cup white onion, cut into thin strips
1 cup tomato, peeled and finely chopped
0.5 cup ground spicy red pepper
0.5 cup parsley, finely chopped
0.5 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp crumbled oregano
0.5 tsp ground pepper
1 cup green peas, peeled
4 cup broth or water
1 spoonful salt

To Serve

8 whole cooked potatoes
Chuño Phuti
uncooked salsa
2 spoonfuls parsley, finely chopped

How to prepare

To prepare the tongue, tenderize it by pounding it with a meat mallet to make it easier to peel. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the tongue and let it cook for two hours until it becomes tender.
Remove the tongue from the pot, allow it to cool, and peel off the skin. Then, slice the tongue into thin pieces.
In a separate pot, heat the oil over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Next, add the tomato, spicy red pepper, parsley, cumin, oregano, ground pepper, peas, broth, and salt. Stir well and let the mixture cook for approximately one hour until it thickens.
Add the sliced tongue to the prepared sauce, mix well, and let it cook for a little while longer to allow the tongue to absorb the flavors.
Serve the dish hot, accompanied by one potato per person, chuño phuti, and steamed rice. Garnish with the remaining sauce.

Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of spicy red pepper in the sauce.
Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to tenderize the cow tongue before cooking to ensure that it is tender and easy to peel.

- Cooking the tongue in water for two hours will help to make it tender and flavorful.

- Adding the tongue to the sauce towards the end of cooking will allow it to absorb the flavors and become even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Cow Tongue with cooked potatoes, chuño phuti, and a side of uncooked salsa. Garnish with parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.

Cooking Techniques

Tenderize the cow tongue by pounding it with a meat mallet before cooking.

- Allow the tongue to cook in water for two hours to ensure tenderness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If cow tongue is not available, you can use beef or pork tongue as a substitute.

- Feel free to customize the sauce with your favorite herbs and spices.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Cow Tongue on a large platter with the cooked potatoes and chuño phuti arranged around the edges. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Spicy Cow Tongue is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without sacrificing their health goals.

Summary

Spicy Cow Tongue is a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With tender cow tongue cooked in a spicy and savory sauce, this recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic ingredient. Serve it with cooked potatoes, chuño phuti, and a side of uncooked salsa for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Spicy Cow Tongue. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. My mother was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and she had a knack for turning simple ingredients into delicious meals.

One day, a neighbor came over with a gift for my mother - a large, juicy cow tongue. I had never seen one before, and I was both fascinated and repulsed by the sight of it. My mother, however, seemed unfazed as she graciously accepted the gift and thanked our neighbor for her generosity.

As my mother set to work preparing the cow tongue, I watched in awe as she carefully cleaned and seasoned it, then cooked it low and slow until it was tender and flavorful. The aroma that filled our kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try a bite.

When the dish was finally ready, my mother served it up with a side of spicy salsa and fresh tortillas. I tentatively took a bite, unsure of what to expect, but as soon as the tender meat touched my tongue, I was hooked. The flavors were bold and complex, with a perfect balance of heat and richness. I couldn't get enough.

From that moment on, I was determined to learn how to make Spicy Cow Tongue myself. I pestered my mother for the recipe, but she simply smiled and told me that it was a secret passed down through generations of our family. Undeterred, I set out to learn the recipe on my own.

I started by watching my mother closely as she made the dish, taking notes on every step and ingredient. I practiced cooking it myself, experimenting with different spices and techniques until I found the perfect combination. It took me years of trial and error, but eventually, I was able to recreate the dish just like my mother had made it.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twist to it and making it my own. I shared it with friends and family, who were always amazed by the bold flavors and tender texture of the cow tongue. It became a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, a dish that everyone looked forward to.

As I grew older and passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, I realized the true power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. The Spicy Cow Tongue recipe became more than just a dish - it was a symbol of our family's traditions and heritage, a reminder of the love and care that went into every meal we shared.

And so, every time I make Spicy Cow Tongue, I think back to that fateful day when I first stumbled upon the recipe. I remember the joy and excitement I felt, the determination and passion that drove me to perfect it. And I am grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through generations of my family, a legacy that I am proud to carry on.