Language with low peas

Slow Cooked Tongue with Peas - a traditional recipe that combines the tenderness of meat with the flavor of vegetables, creating a comforting dish perfect for family meals. With a rich history, this recipe is often associated with moments of conviviality and joy around the table. I invite you to discover how to prepare it step by step, so you can impress your loved ones with a delicious and aromatic dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 700 g pork tongue (make sure it is fresh for better taste)
- 500 g green peas (or 1 jar of 800 g canned peas)
- 3 carrots (choose fresh and crunchy carrots)
- 2 onions (opt for white onion for a milder taste)
- 1 parsnip (for a slightly sweet flavor)
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow for a splash of color)
- 1 hot pepper (bell pepper, but not too spicy, to maintain the balance of flavors)
- 1 small tomato (preferably fresh)
- 1 bunch of parsley (for freshness)
- 1 bunch of dill (its flavor will blend perfectly with the other ingredients)
- 1-2 tablespoons of flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar (for a slightly sour taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 cube or 1 teaspoon of mushroom concentrate (optional, but adds extra umami)
- Salt, pepper, thyme (to taste)

Step by step instructions:

1. Preparing the tongue:
Start by washing the pork tongue under a stream of cold water. Then, let it soak in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This step helps to better clean the meat and remove impurities.

2. Boiling the tongue:
Place the tongue in a large pot with 4 liters of cold water and add a little salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour and a half. If you have a pressure cooker, it will reduce the cooking time, and the meat will become more tender.

3. Adding the vegetables:
When the tongue is almost soft, add a whole onion, a carrot, and the parsnip. These vegetables will enrich the broth with flavors. Let it simmer for 30 minutes over low heat.

4. Preparing the vegetables:
Meanwhile, peel the other vegetables: carrots, onion, bell peppers, and tomato. Slice the carrot thinly, cut the onion into strips, and dice the bell peppers. Remove the seeds from the peppers, and peel the tomato.

5. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a saucepan, add the oil and start sautéing the vegetables. Begin with the carrot, then add the onion, bell pepper, and hot pepper. Add the chopped herbs (parsley and dill), salt, pepper, and thyme. Let it sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Adding the peas:
Add the peeled tomato, mushroom concentrate (if using), peas, and 3-4 ladles of the broth from the boiling tongue. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat, until the peas are tender.

7. Finishing the dish:
When the tongue is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Peel off the skin and slice it. Add the slices of tongue over the cooked peas. If the sauce has reduced too much, add a little broth from the tongue. Mix the flour in a cup with cold water and add it to the saucepan to thicken the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes, being careful not to let it stick.

8. Seasoning:
Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, vinegar, and sugar, adjusting the spices to your liking. Finally, sprinkle with chopped dill and, optionally, add a little thyme for extra flavor.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, depending on your personal preferences. Additionally, this recipe can easily be adapted to include beef or chicken.
- Serving: Slow cooked tongue with peas pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread. A green salad alongside will add a touch of freshness.
- Beverages: We recommend a dry white wine or a light beer, which will balance the rich flavors of the dish.

Nutritional information:

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the pork and the vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. Peas are high in fiber, aiding digestion, while carrots and parsley provide important antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, frozen peas are an excellent alternative and will reduce cooking time.

2. How can I store the dish for the next day?
You can keep the tongue with peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and the flavor will improve as the flavors meld.

3. Can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and use vegetables and tofu or seitan to create a delicious vegetarian version.

4. What is the secret to tender tongue?
Slow boiling over low heat is the key to achieving tender and juicy meat.

Now you are ready to try this delicious and comforting recipe for slow cooked tongue with peas! We wish you a good appetite and many pleasant moments with your loved ones!