Language with olives

Tongue with Olives – A Tasty and Comforting Recipe

Welcome to the fascinating world of gastronomy! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious and hearty recipe, perfect for family meals or a special occasion: tongue with olives. This dish is not just an explosion of flavors but also a return to rich culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 beef tongue (approximately 1-1.2 kg)
- 2 large carrots, peeled
- 1 white onion (for boiling)
- 1 parsnip, peeled (root + leaves)
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 1 white onion, finely chopped for sautéing
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sweet pepper paste
- 200 g Mamouth olives (approximately 32 olives)
- 2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 3-4 basil leaves (+ leaves for decoration)
- 1 lemon (slices) for decoration
- Pepper, to taste
- Coarse sea salt

A Brief History of the Recipe
Tongue with olives is a dish that has deep roots in traditional gastronomy, with a rich history linked to how people have utilized every part of the animal in the kitchen. Traditionally, beef tongue has often been considered a delicacy due to its fine texture and unique flavor. Combined with olives, this dish becomes not just a meal but an unforgettable culinary experience.

Steps for Preparing Tongue with Olives

1. Preparing the Tongue:
Start by washing the beef tongue well in cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Peel the carrots, parsnip, and onion, then lightly score them to facilitate boiling.

2. Boiling:
Take a pressure cooker (or another boiling pot) and add the vegetables and tongue. Fill with water and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the time is up, remove the tongue and retain about 2 cups of the broth. The remaining broth can be used to prepare various delicious soups.

3. Cleaning the Tongue:
Once the tongue has cooled, you will need to peel it. The white skin will come off easily. After cleaning, slice the tongue into thin slices about 1 cm thick.

4. Preparing the Sauce:
Heat a saucepan with oil, ensuring not to exceed 0.5 cm of oil. Add coarse sea salt and the finely chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the sweet pepper paste.

5. Adding the Broth:
Pour in the tongue broth you reserved, along with the tomato paste dissolved in a little water. Allow it to come to a boil, then add the olives.

6. Finalizing the Dish:
Now it's time to add the slices of tongue to the saucepan. Let everything simmer on low heat for another hour, stirring occasionally.

7. Flavoring:
When the cooking time is up, add the thinly sliced garlic and chopped basil. Mix and let the dish rest for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Plating
To serve this dish, place 3 slices of tongue on each plate, alongside 8 olives. Generously ladle the sauce from the pot over the top and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a few slices of lemon. This arrangement not only looks appetizing but also adds a fresh contrast to the dish.

Suggestions and Variations
- Ingredient Variations: You can experiment with different types of olives or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to diversify the flavors.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes or fresh bread. A simple green salad would add a touch of freshness.
- Recommended Beverages: A dry white wine or a pale ale would complement the intense flavors of the tongue with olives perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits
Beef tongue is an excellent source of protein and contains essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. Olives add healthy fats and antioxidants, while the vegetables used in the recipe contribute to an adequate intake of vitamins and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pork tongue? Yes, you can use pork tongue, but the cooking time may vary.
- What can I do with the leftover broth? You can use the broth to prepare various types of soups or sauces, adding pasta or rice for a hearty dish.
- How long can I keep the dish? Tongue with olives keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be easily reheated on the stove or in the oven.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to grab the ingredients and start cooking! I invite you to share your culinary experience and enjoy every bite of this savory recipe. Bon appétit!