Brain pudding

Brain pudding - a traditional recipe full of flavor

Brain pudding is a dish that combines culinary tradition with a creamy texture and a unique aroma. This recipe is perfect for making use of leftover brain after preparing breaded brain. It’s a creative way to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g pork or veal brain
- 3 large eggs
- 1 medium onion
- 80 g butter
- 150 g bread (without crust)
- 300 ml milk
- 100 g telemea cheese (unsalted)
- 200 ml sour cream
- 150 g cheese (or parmesan) for gratin
- 50 g flour
- a pinch of pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
- salt, to taste

Preparation of brain pudding:

1. Preparing the brain:
Start by boiling the brain in a pot of water and salt. Make sure the water completely covers the brain. After it starts boiling, remove the foam that forms on the surface. This is an important step to achieve a clean taste. Boil the brain for about 10-15 minutes, then drain and let it cool.

2. Sautéing the onion:
Meanwhile, chop the onion finely. In a pan, add the butter and a little water, then add the onion. Sauté on low heat until it becomes golden and soft. This step will add a subtle flavor to your pudding.

3. Preparing the bread:
Cut the bread into thin slices and soak them in cold milk. Make sure each slice absorbs the milk well, as this step will help achieve a creamy texture.

4. The main mixture:
In a large bowl, mash the boiled brain with a fork. Add the soaked bread, sautéed onion, grated telemea cheese, sour cream, egg yolks, dill, flour, pepper, and salt. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Beaten egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. This step will introduce air into the mixture and make the pudding fluffy. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the brain mixture with a spatula, being careful not to lose the air.

6. Preparing the baking dish:
Grease the baking dish with solid margarine and line it with breadcrumbs. You can use a regular dish or a loaf pan, depending on your preferences. Pour the mixture into the dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in a larger dish containing hot water (bain-marie). Bake the pudding for about an hour, but after 30 minutes, check if it’s browning too much. If so, you can lower the temperature or cover the dish with aluminum foil.

8. Serving:
Brain pudding can be served either warm or cold. It is delicious alongside a seasonal salad or a side of steamed vegetables. Add a touch of freshness with a few parsley or dill leaves on top.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the brain is well boiled and cooled before using it in the recipe. This will contribute to a finer texture.
- You can experiment with various types of cheese. A cheese with a stronger flavor, like feta, can add an extra touch of flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Brain pudding is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients due to the content of eggs and brain. However, it’s important to consume this dish in moderation, considering the fat and calorie content. A serving provides approximately 350-400 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat instead of brain?
Of course! You can use minced meat or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Is the use of dill necessary?
Dill adds a special flavor, but you can omit it or replace it with other herbs, such as parsley or thyme.

Excellent combinations:
Brain pudding pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a pale beer, which can balance the rich flavors of the dish. Additionally, a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or a green salad with lemon dressing will provide a note of freshness.

In conclusion, brain pudding is a refined dish that deserves a place on your menu. It will not only impress you and your loved ones but will also bring a touch of tradition to every meal. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!