Pork tongue with olives in tomato sauce

Delicious pork tongue recipe with olives in tomato sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A dish with a rich history, pork tongue with olives in tomato sauce is a recipe that adds a touch of refinement to every meal. This recipe combines the classic flavors of pork with the pleasant acidity of tomato sauce and the saltiness of olives, resulting in a tasty and comforting dish. It is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Ingredients needed:

- 500 g pork tongue
- 100 g olives (preferably green or black, pitted)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 300 ml tomato sauce (or 400 g chopped fresh or canned tomatoes)
- Spices (salt, pepper, a bay leaf, oregano or basil, to taste)
- 200 ml water

Helpful tips about ingredients:

1. Pork tongue: Make sure to choose a fresh tongue with a pink appearance and firmness. This is key to achieving a juicy and flavorful dish.
2. Olives: Choose pitted olives to avoid inconveniences during serving. Green olives add a hint of bitterness, while black ones are sweeter. It is important not to overdo the quantity, as their taste can dominate the dish.
3. Tomato sauce: You can use store-bought tomato sauce or make one at home from fresh tomatoes, adding a bit of olive oil and spices.

Step by step:

1. Boiling the pork tongue: Start by washing the pork tongue well under cold running water. Place it in a large pot, fill with water, and add a pinch of salt. Boil over medium heat for 45-60 minutes, until tender. Check occasionally, and if foam forms, remove it with a spatula.

2. Cleaning the tongue: Once the tongue is boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to remove the white skin and fat. This step is essential, as a properly cleaned tongue will have a smooth and pleasant texture.

3. Cutting the tongue: Cut the tongue into small cubes, about 1-2 cm. Uniform size will help with even cooking of the dish.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step will add depth to the flavors.

5. Adding the tongue and olives: Add the cubes of cleaned tongue and olives to the skillet. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Add 200 ml of water and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 10-15 minutes.

6. Incorporating the tomato sauce and spices: After the mixture has simmered a bit, add the tomato sauce and your preferred spices. I recommend starting with salt and pepper, and then adjusting the taste with oregano, basil, or a bay leaf. Let it simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serving:

Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have combined, the dish is ready to be served. You can place it on a bed of mashed potatoes or serve it alongside boiled rice. A fresh vegetable salad will perfectly complement this main course.

Personal tip:

For an extra flavor boost, you can add a tablespoon of garlic or chili-infused olive oil to the sauce before serving. This will bring a unique taste to the dish and pleasantly surprise your guests.

Possible variations:

- Instead of olives, you can experiment with capers to add a tangy note.
- If you want a spicier dish, you can add some finely chopped chili pepper to the skillet along with the onion.

Nutritional benefits:

Pork tongue is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, and essential minerals such as zinc and iron. Consuming this dish occasionally can contribute to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use tongue from other types of meat?
Yes, beef or lamb tongue can be used in this recipe, but the cooking time may vary. Make sure to check for tenderness.

2. What other side dishes go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or homemade bread are excellent choices. A fresh green salad will provide a pleasant contrast.

3. Is this a healthy dish?
While it is rich in protein, it is important to consume this dish in moderation, considering its fat content.

4. How can I store leftovers?
The dish keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious pork tongue with olives in tomato sauce and don’t hesitate to share the recipe with your loved ones! Bon appétit!