Pork jelly

Pork Jellied Dish (Piftie) – A Traditional Delicacy for Any Occasion

Pork jellied dish, also known as piftie, is a traditional preparation that brings pleasant memories and moments of conviviality around the table. This dish stands out for its rich flavor and delicate texture, and each bite takes us back in time, evoking the holidays spent with loved ones. Besides being delicious, piftie is also a very versatile recipe, with variations made from both pork and other types of meat, making it perfect for any season.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 2 pork trotters
- 200 grams of pig skin
- 2 pig ears
- 1 pork hock
- 1 large carrot
- 3 cloves of garlic (or 2 heads, as preferred)
- 10 black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- Sweet paprika for decoration

Preparing pork jellied dish is a culinary art that you can easily learn. Here are the detailed steps to achieve a perfect piftie:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning the pork trotters, ensuring you remove any hair or impurities. Cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Do the same with the ears, hock, and pig skin.

2. Assembling the ingredients:
Place all the cut ingredients (trotters, ears, hock, skin) into a large pot. Add the carrot, peeled and cut in half, and the garlic clove, whole or chopped, depending on your preference. Then add the black peppercorns for extra flavor.

3. Boiling:
Fill the pot with water, enough to cover the meat and vegetables well. Place the pot on low heat and let it simmer. It is important not to increase the temperature abruptly, as the piftie will set better if it simmers slowly. Low heat helps extract the gelatin from the meat, which will give the jellied dish its consistency.

4. Skimming:
As it begins to boil, foam will appear. Remove it with a skimmer to obtain a clear liquid, perfect for piftie. This is an essential step to ensure the aesthetic appearance of the final dish.

5. Straining:
After about 4 hours of boiling, the meat should easily separate from the bone. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Then strain the broth into another container to remove all bone pieces and impurities.

6. Preparing the garlic:
In a bowl, crush the garlic cloves and add two ladles of hot broth. Strain the mixture to obtain a fine garlic paste, which you will add to the strained broth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, if necessary.

7. Assembling the piftie:
Cut the meat and skin into small pieces and arrange them in bowls. Cut the carrot into rounds and add it as well. Pour the broth over the meat and vegetables, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

8. Cooling:
Cover the bowls and let them cool in the pantry (or refrigerator) until the next day. This cooling time allows the gelatin to solidify, giving them a perfect texture.

9. Serving:
Before serving, sprinkle a little sweet paprika on top for an attractive appearance. Piftie is often served with garlic paste or a pickled salad, complementing its savory taste.

Practical Tips:
- Choosing the meat: Choose quality pork, preferably from a trusted supplier. Meats with bones are ideal for obtaining the necessary gelatin for piftie.
- Variations: Piftie can also be made from beef, turkey, or chicken, making it a versatile recipe. Experiment with different types of meat to discover combinations you love.
- Flavor: If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more garlic or even spices like bay leaves or dill.
- Storage: Piftie keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days but can also be frozen for later use.

Nutritional Benefits:
Pork jellied dishes are a good source of protein and collagen, making them beneficial for joint and skin health. They also contain essential nutrients, but it's best to consume them in moderation, considering their fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken for piftie? Yes, you can use chicken, but the taste will be different, being lighter.
- Why is it important to skim the broth? Skimming helps achieve a clear broth, essential for the aesthetic appearance of piftie.
- Is it necessary to add garlic paste? It is not mandatory, but garlic paste perfectly complements the taste of piftie.

Combine piftie with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or a light beer, to balance the rich flavors. Enjoy preparing this traditional delicacy!