Pork tongue stew

Pork tongue stew is a dish that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia with every forkful. This recipe, which combines the soft and savory texture of pork tongue with a variety of flavors, is perfect for a family meal or to impress friends at a special dinner. If you haven't tried pork tongue before, I encourage you to do so—it's a remarkable culinary experience!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 1 kg pork tongue (about 3 pieces)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium white onions
- 1 red onion
- 2-3 green onions
- 1 chili pepper (adjustable to taste)
- 2 roasted bell peppers
- 1-2 sweet bell peppers (red and yellow for color contrast)
- 1 can of tomatoes in juice (approximately 400 g)
- 2 tablespoons mango chutney
- 1 cup broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable, according to preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps to follow

1. Preparing the pork tongue
The first step in making this stew is cleaning the pork tongue. Start by washing the tongue thoroughly under cold running water. Then, place it in a pot of water and let it boil for about 30 minutes until it's partially cooked. Once done, remove it onto a wooden cutting board and, while it's still hot, use a knife to peel off the thick skin on the surface. This step is essential for achieving a delicate and pleasant texture.

2. Slicing the tongue
After cleaning the tongue, it's time to slice it into pieces about 2-3 cm thick. These slices will absorb the flavors from the vegetable sauce, making them extremely flavorful.

3. Preparing the vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion and red onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the chopped green onions and chili pepper, continuing to sauté for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

4. Adding the peppers and tomatoes
Now it's time to add the julienned sweet bell pepper and the roasted bell peppers cut into large pieces. Stir all the ingredients to combine, then add the can of tomatoes in juice and the tomato juice. The mango chutney will add a sweet and tangy note, so don’t skip it! Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to create a rich sauce base.

5. Cooking the tongue
Once the sauce has started to boil, add the slices of tongue along with the broth. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, until the tongue becomes extremely tender and the flavors meld perfectly. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Serving
Pork tongue stew is delicious served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, which will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish. Don’t forget to add pickles, which will provide a fresh and crunchy contrast.

Chef's tip
To achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy in the stew, it’s essential to adjust the amounts of mango chutney and chili pepper according to your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers or add spices like cumin or coriander for an extra flavor boost.

Variations
If you want to add a unique twist to the stew, you can try adding some green or black olives, which will provide a contrast in texture and flavor. You can also replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Nutritional information
Pork tongue is an excellent source of protein, offering a soft and tasty texture. It also contains B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism, and is relatively low in calories while being rich in nutrients. It’s important to consume this dish in moderation, considering its fat content.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use beef tongue instead of pork tongue?
Yes, beef tongue can be used as an alternative, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Is it possible to freeze the stew?
Yes, the stew can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy all the flavors.

3. What are the best pickles to accompany this dish?
Pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut are excellent choices that will add a crunchy and tangy contrast.

Pork tongue stew is a dish that not only provides a tasty meal but also offers a unique culinary experience. Try this recipe at home and let yourself be carried away by its unique flavors and textures!