Tochitura

Tochitura: a savory and comforting dish that every food lover should try. This classic recipe, full of flavor, combines tender pork meat with a rich sauce, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Here’s how you can prepare this delight step by step, to delight your family and friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1.3 kg pork neck (or beef, if you prefer)
- 200 g tomato paste
- 500 g tomato juice
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Oil for frying
- Hot polenta, fried eggs, and grated sheep cheese for serving

A brief story about tochitura
Tochitura is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Although the recipe has evolved over time, its essence remains the same: a delicious combination of meat and sauce that pairs perfectly with creamy polenta. This recipe has often been prepared in households for special occasions, but today it is appreciated every day for its comforting flavor.

Step by step for a perfect tochitura
1. Preparing the meat:
- Start by cutting the pork neck into small, even-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking. If you prefer, you can use beef or a mix of meats for a more complex flavor.

2. Frying the meat:
- In a large skillet, add the oil and let it heat up. Then, add the pieces of meat and fry them over medium heat until they brown on all sides. This step is essential for developing deep flavors and a savory taste.

3. Boiling the meat:
- After the meat is browned, add about two cups of water to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer on low heat until the meat becomes tender, about 30-40 minutes. Check occasionally and add water if necessary to prevent the dish from drying out.

4. Adding aromatic ingredients:
- Once the meat is tender, add the bay leaves, tomato paste dissolved in cold water, and tomato juice. These ingredients will add depth of flavor to the dish. Add water if necessary and let it simmer for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Finalizing the dish:
- Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking. Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well integrated, turn off the heat.

Serving tochitura
Tochitura is served hot, alongside hot polenta, fried eggs, and grated sheep cheese on top. This combination not only enhances the texture and flavor but also brings a contrast of aromas that will delight the taste buds.

Practical tips
- Choosing the meat: Pork neck is ideal due to its fat content, making it tender. You can also use other types of meat, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
- The sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a bit of hot pepper or spices like paprika.
- Polenta: Prepare the polenta with a bit more cheese mixed in for added flavor.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, and the sauce will require less water since chicken is leaner.

2. How can I thicken the sauce?
- You can use a bit of cornstarch dissolved in cold water to thicken the sauce if you want a denser consistency.

3. What other sides go well with tochitura?
- Besides polenta, you can serve tochitura with mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of tochitura has approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the sides. It is an excellent source of protein, providing the energy needed for an active day. Additionally, the tomato sauce adds essential vitamins, such as vitamin C and lycopene, an important antioxidant.

Variations and customization
- Tochitura with mushrooms: Add fresh mushrooms during the meat frying for an extra umami flavor.
- Spicy tochitura: Include fresh chili peppers or chili flakes to give the dish a spicy note.

Personal note
This tochitura recipe is a childhood memory for me, and every meal prepared with love takes me back to family gatherings. I love to add a splash of red wine to the sauce for an even deeper flavor. Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe can be customized to your taste!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy every moment and savor the delights you will create!