Drum

Pork head cheese – a traditional delicacy with a rich taste and a texture that will delight your senses. This dish represents not only a meal but also a part of the culinary history of many cultures. Preparing pork head cheese is a ritual that brings us together around the table, evoking warm memories. I invite you to discover together how to prepare this delicacy, step by step.

Preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 5 hours
Number of servings: One 1.5 kg head cheese

Ingredients:
- 1/2 pork head (approximately 1.6 kg)
- 1 pork knuckle (1.6 kg)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- 4 bay leaves
- 600 g pork liver
- 550 g pork tongue
- 860 g pork hearts (approximately 2 pieces)
- 1 casing (belly) for the head cheese
- 2 tablespoons vinegar

A bit of history:
Pork head cheese is a traditional dish often associated with holidays or family gatherings. It reflects the art of preserving meat, utilizing every part of the animal, which reduces waste. The dish varies from region to region, but the essence remains the same: a mix of slowly cooked meat, perfectly seasoned and carefully wrapped.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by thoroughly washing the pork head and knuckle. Make sure you have all the ingredients at hand to make the cooking process as smooth as possible.

Step 2: Boiling the meat
1. Cut the knuckle into thick slices. Place it along with the head in a large pot (approximately 10 liters).
2. Cover the meat with cold water and add salt (start with one tablespoon, then adjust to taste).
3. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil. During boiling, remove the foam that forms on the surface. This step is essential for obtaining a clear broth.
4. When the water becomes clear, add the black pepper and bay leaves. Let it boil for about 2 hours, or until the meat easily separates from the bones.

Step 3: Preparing the organs
While the meat is boiling, take care of the liver, tongue, and hearts:
1. Clean and wash the pork liver. Place it in a 3-liter pot, covering it with water. Boil for 40 minutes, then remove and let it cool on a tray.
2. Wash the heart and tongue well (remove the veins from the heart) and place them in a 5-liter pot. Boil for about an hour, then remove them to a tray to cool. Clean the tongue of its skin.

Step 4: Preparing the casing
To prepare the casing, it is important to clean it properly:
1. Wash the casing in warm water, then in cold water, and repeat the process several times. This will help eliminate any unpleasant odor.
2. Fill the casing with slices of liver, tongue, heart, and meat pulled from the bones, adding a few ladles of the liquid in which the head and knuckle have boiled.

Step 5: Final cooking
1. Tie the casing with string, ensuring that the filling will not leak during cooking.
2. Submerge the filled casing in the pot with the water in which the head and knuckle have boiled. Let it boil for another hour.
3. After it has boiled, remove the casing and place it on a tray, placing a weight on top to give it a uniform shape. Let it cool until the next day.

Step 6: Preservation
Once cooled, the head cheese can be stored in the refrigerator. It is perfect to be served as an appetizer or in sandwiches.

Practical tips:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- You can experiment with spices, adding garlic or allspice for an even bolder taste.
- If you can't find the casing, you can use heat-resistant cling film to wrap the filling.

Delicious pairings:
Pork head cheese pairs perfectly with spicy mustard and fresh bread. You can serve it alongside a fresh summer salad or assorted pickles. A drink that complements this dish could be a dry red wine or a craft beer.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Of course! You can experiment with beef or chicken, depending on your preferences.
2. How long can pork head cheese be stored?
- If stored in the refrigerator, it can be consumed for up to a week. You can freeze it for longer preservation.
3. Can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free?
- This recipe is already gluten-free, but make sure that all ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free.

Nutrition:
Pork head cheese is an excellent source of protein, providing a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin B12. It is important to consume it in moderation, considering its fat content.

Conclusion:
Preparing pork head cheese may seem like a lengthy process, but the final result is worth every minute. This delicacy is not just a meal but an experience that connects you with culinary traditions and loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe and add your personal touch to the preparation. Enjoy your meal!