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Head Cheese
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 1 pig's head, split in half
- 2 pig's feet
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the pig's head, pig's feet, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Once the meat is tender and falling off the bone, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Strain the broth and discard the solids. Return the broth to the pot and add the vinegar. Bring to a boil and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pick the meat from the pig's head and feet, discarding any bones, skin, and cartilage.
- Place the meat in a loaf pan or mold. Pour the hot broth over the meat, covering it completely.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or until the broth has set into a gelatinous consistency.
- Once set, unmold the head cheese and slice. Serve cold as a traditional cold cut.
Head cheese, also known as brawn or souse, has a rich history dating back to medieval Europe. Originally a peasant dish, it was a way to utilize the entire animal, including the head, to minimize waste. The process involves simmering the head of a pig or calf until the meat falls off the bone, then mixing it with herbs and spices before setting it in a mold to cool and set. Today, head cheese is enjoyed in various forms across the world, with notable variations in Germany, France, and Eastern Europe. Chefs like Fergus Henderson have popularized head cheese in modern cuisine, serving it with pickles and mustard at his renowned London restaurant, St. John. For the best head cheese experience, seek out artisanal butchers or charcuteries that prioritize quality ingredients and traditional methods. The key to a delicious head cheese lies in the balance of flavors and textures, achieved through the careful selection of spices and the perfect gelatinous consistency. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a charcuterie board, head cheese offers a unique and flavorful experience for adventurous food enthusiasts.
270 min
8
320 calories
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