Luxembourg Suckling Pig in Aspic - Fierkelsjhelli Recipe

Suckling pig in Aspic - Fierkelsjhelli

Luxembourg Suckling Pig in Aspic - Fierkelsjhelli Recipe
Region / culture: Luxembourg | Servings: 6

Introduction

Suckling pig in Aspic - Fierkelsjhelli
Suckling pig in Aspic - Fierkelsjhelli

Suckling pig in Aspic, also known as Fierkelsjhelli, is a traditional Luxembourgish dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. This dish features tender pieces of suckling pig meat encased in a flavorful aspic, creating a delicious and visually stunning dish.

History

Suckling pig in Aspic has been a popular dish in Luxembourg for centuries, often served at weddings, holidays, and other celebrations. The dish showcases the rich culinary traditions of the region and highlights the use of local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Take 500 g of suckling pig bones, the feet, and some rind.
  2. Add 6 carrots, 6 onions, 4 bulbs of garlic, thyme, laurel, a bunch of parsley, salt, pepper, and 2 liters of dry white wine (Riesling or Elbling).
  3. Boil on a low heat for approximately 3 hours.
  4. Remove the bones.
  5. Add the ribs and thickly cut pieces of shoulder of the suckling pig to the broth.
  6. Simmer on a low heat for another hour.
  7. Remove the meat and arrange it in bowls.
  8. Strain the broth and clarify it by boiling with a mixture of egg white and some herbs, while whisking vigorously.
  9. Strain again and pour the clarified broth over the meat.
  10. Allow it to cool before serving.

Variations

  • Add diced vegetables such as peas or bell peppers to the broth for added flavor and texture.
  • Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the broth slowly to extract maximum flavor from the bones and vegetables.

- Clarifying the broth with egg white helps to create a clear and smooth aspic.

- Allow the dish to cool completely before serving to ensure that the aspic sets properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Suckling pig in Aspic with crusty bread, pickles, and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow simmering the broth helps to develop a rich and flavorful base for the dish.

- Clarifying the broth with egg white creates a clear and smooth aspic.

Ingredient Substitutions

If suckling pig is not available, you can use pork shoulder or pork ribs as a substitute.

- You can use white wine vinegar instead of dry white wine in the broth.

Make Ahead Tips

Suckling pig in Aspic can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Suckling pig in Aspic in individual bowls or molds for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Suckling pig in Aspic with a crisp white wine such as Riesling or Pinot Grigio for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Fats: 12g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs.

Summary

Suckling pig in Aspic is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Suckling pig in Aspic is a classic Luxembourgish dish that is sure to impress your guests. With its tender meat and flavorful aspic, this dish is perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first learned how to make the delicious dish known as Suckling pig in Aspic, or Fierkelsjhelli as we call it in our family.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was visiting my Aunt Agnes, who was known for her incredible skills in the kitchen. She had invited me over to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering, and I was eager to learn all that I could from her.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Aunt Agnes began to tell me about the history of the dish we were making. She explained that Suckling pig in Aspic was a traditional dish in our family, passed down from generation to generation. She told me that the recipe had been brought over from our ancestors in the old country, and that it was a dish that held a special place in our family's culinary traditions.

As we worked, Aunt Agnes shared with me the secrets of making the perfect Fierkelsjhelli. She taught me how to properly season the meat, how to marinate it for hours to ensure that it was tender and flavorful, and how to create the gelatinous aspic that would hold everything together.

I watched closely as she expertly prepared the ingredients, her hands moving with a grace and precision that only years of practice could bring. She showed me how to carefully layer the meat and vegetables in the mold, making sure that each layer was perfectly seasoned and balanced.

As the dish cooked in the oven, filling the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas, Aunt Agnes sat me down at the table and told me stories of her own childhood, of learning to cook from her mother and grandmother, and of the many family gatherings where Fierkelsjhelli had been the star of the meal.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every detail of the recipe that she shared with me. I knew that this dish was more than just food - it was a connection to my past, to my family, and to the traditions that had shaped us.

When the Fierkelsjhelli was finally ready, Aunt Agnes carefully unmolded it onto a platter, revealing a beautiful, golden-brown pig encased in a shimmering aspic. The sight took my breath away, and I knew that I had just witnessed something truly special.

As we sat down to eat, surrounded by family and friends, I took my first bite of the Fierkelsjhelli. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a symphony of tender meat, savory vegetables, and delicate aspic. I closed my eyes and savored the moment, knowing that I had just tasted a part of my heritage.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged Aunt Agnes to teach me more recipes, to share with me the secrets of our family's culinary traditions. And she did, passing down to me not just recipes, but a love and appreciation for the art of cooking.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Fierkelsjhelli for my own family, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and the traditions that have been passed down to me. And as I take that first bite of the dish that has been a part of my family for generations, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that will continue to live on for years to come.

Categories

| Luxembourgish Meat Dishes | Luxembourgish Recipes | Riesling Recipes | Suckling Pig Recipes | White Wine Recipes |

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