Caltabosi with a Feather

Caltaboși a la Pana – A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Caltaboși are a traditional delicacy, loved in many corners of the world, often associated with winter holidays and festive meals. This recipe, inherited from my mother, is a true culinary treasure, full of flavors and textures that remind us of our grandparents' time. Get ready to embark on a journey of tastes!

Ingredients for Caltaboși:
- 1 pig's tongue
- 1 kg rice
- 1 pig's head
- 1 pig's liver
- 1 pig's heart
- 1 pig's lung
- Salt (to taste)
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Thyme (a moderate amount)
- Allspice (optional, depending on preferences)
- Cleaned pig intestines

Ingredient Details
Each ingredient plays its role in creating a tasty caltaboș:

- Pig's tongue: provides a fine texture and delicate taste. Make sure to clean it well after boiling.
- Rice: is the base ingredient that binds all other components together. Use long-grain rice for the best results.
- Offal (head, liver, heart, lung): brings a rich and intense flavor, specific to traditional dishes.
- Spices: salt, pepper, thyme, and allspice add flavor and depth to the caltaboși. It's important not to overdo it with thyme, so it doesn't overpower the other flavors.

Step by Step: Cooking Caltaboși

1. Preparing the rice: Start by thoroughly washing the rice under cold water, then boil it in a pot with water and salt. Let it cook until soft, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Boiling the offal: In another pot, add the tongue, head, liver, heart, and lung. Cover with water, add salt and peppercorns, and let them boil over medium heat. This is a crucial step, as the offal must be well-cooked to achieve a tender texture. Once cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool.

3. Chop and mix: Clean the tongue of membranes and cut the offal into small pieces. Use a meat grinder to turn everything into a fine mixture. Mix this ground meat with the cooked rice, adding salt, pepper, thyme, and allspice (to taste). This mixture is the base of the caltaboși.

4. Filling the intestines: Use the cleaned intestines to fill the meat mixture. Make sure the filling is not too packed; the caltaboși will cook and change in volume. Twist the intestines every 20 cm and tie them with string at the ends.

5. Blanching: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Place the caltaboși in the water and let them boil on low heat for 2-3 minutes. This step helps set the texture and flavors.

6. Cooling and frying: Remove the caltaboși from the water and let them drain on a clean towel. To prepare them, you can fry them in a pan with a little oil or bake them in the oven, in a tray, at 180 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serving
Caltaboși are usually served with pickled cabbage salad, fresh horseradish, or cucumbers to add a note of freshness. If you want to turn them into a more substantial meal, you can accompany them with mashed potatoes or polenta.

Practical Tips
- Prepare in advance: Caltaboși can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge. The flavor improves after they cool down.
- Variations: Try adding some extra spices, such as garlic or paprika, to customize the recipe.
- Buy quality meat: Choose fresh, high-quality meat for a delicious final result.

Nutritional Benefits
Caltaboși are a rich source of protein due to the meat and offal content, while the rice adds complex carbohydrates. Being a hearty dish, it is ideal for winter meals, providing energy and a feeling of fullness.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of pork?: Yes, but the taste and texture will change significantly.
- What other spices can I add?: You can experiment with sweet or hot paprika, coriander, or even dill for different flavors.
- Can caltaboși be frozen?: Yes, once they are ready, you can freeze them in small portions, and when you want to prepare them, take them out and fry them directly from the freezer.

Caltaboși a la Pana are more than just a dish; they are a part of tradition, a connection to family history, and an opportunity to gather loved ones around the table. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with your dear ones and enjoy a delicious meal full of stories!