Pork scraps

Pork Jellies – The Taste of Christmas at Home

Who wouldn't want to feel the aroma of Christmas spreading through the house? Pork jellies, a traditional dish, undoubtedly represent a part of the soul of the holidays. This recipe not only brings an unforgettable taste but also a story in every serving, connecting us with cherished childhood memories. Let's discover together how we can prepare them step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3-4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1 pork hock (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 kg pork belly
- 3 carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 packets of gelatin (approximately 20 g)
- 7 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Pork Jellies

Step 1: Preparing the meat

The first step is to ensure we have quality meat. Choose a fresh pork hock with a balanced amount of meat and fat for optimal texture and flavor. Wash the meat well under cold running water, then cut it into smaller, uniform pieces. This will help with even cooking.

Step 2: Boiling the meat

In a large pot, add the pieces of meat along with the peeled and whole onions. Add cold water until the meat is completely covered. It is important that the water is always at a level that covers the ingredients, so check from time to time and top up if necessary.

Place the pot on the stove and let it boil over medium heat. During boiling, remember to skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a spoon. This step is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty broth. Boil until the meat easily separates from the bone and the broth becomes slightly sticky, indicating that the natural gelatin from the meat has been released.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables

Once the meat is boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. In the meantime, discard the onions (which were boiled only for flavor) and add the peeled carrots to the pot with the broth. Let them boil until they become soft, but do not overdo it, as we want to keep a bit of texture.

Step 4: Creating the shape

After the carrots are ready, remove them from the broth and let them cool. Now comes the fun part: cut the carrots into thin slices, and then each slice into shapes resembling stars. This is the perfect opportunity to add a playful note to the dish.

Now, detach the meat from the bone and cut it into small pieces. Arrange them in a dish, alternating with the carrot stars to create an appealing look.

Step 5: Preparing the gelatin

Meanwhile, hydrate the gelatin in cold water according to the instructions on the package. After it has swollen, take a few tablespoons of the hot broth and mix them with the gelatin until completely dissolved. This will be the base that will bind the dish together.

Step 6: Assembly

Add the crushed garlic to the remaining broth and bring it to a boil. After a few bubbles, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, add the gelatin mixture and mix well to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour this mixture over the meat and carrots in the dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill for a few hours, ideally overnight, to set.

Serving Suggestions

Pork jellies are usually served cold, cut into cubes or slices, and can be garnished with fresh parsley or slices of hot pepper for an extra splash of color and flavor. They pair wonderfully with mustard or horseradish, adding a spicy note to the dish.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This pork jelly recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the fat content of the meat. It is rich in protein and collagen, benefiting the skin and joints. Make sure to consume it in moderation, considering the fat content.

Possible Variations

To bring a personal touch to the recipe, you can experiment with different vegetables. For example, adding celery or beetroot can provide a distinct flavor and vibrant color. You can also try adding spices like bay leaves or peppercorns during boiling to enhance the aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use beef or even chicken. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat chosen.

2. How can I avoid an overly salty taste?
Make sure to add salt gradually, tasting the broth along the way to control the salt level.

3. Can I make the jellies without gelatin?
Gelatin is essential for achieving the desired texture. However, you can opt for a vegetarian gelatin alternative made from agar-agar.

A Personal Story

I fondly remember how, every year, my mother would prepare pork jellies for Christmas, and the whole family would gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It was a ritual that brought us together, and each serving was filled with love and memories. I encourage you to gather your loved ones around the table, sharing not just the food but also your stories and traditions.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to take action! Prepare this pork jelly recipe and let the taste of Christmas fill your home with warmth and joy. Enjoy your meal!