The language with olives and peppers

Delicious Tongue Recipe with Olives and Peppers – A Unique Culinary Experience

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who would have thought that a recipe with tongue could become the star of dinner? This tongue recipe with olives and peppers is not only an unusual choice but also extremely tasty. I tried it for the first time out of curiosity, and my husband's reaction was overwhelming, devouring two portions without mercy! Maybe you also have an unusual recipe that you've avoided, but I assure you it's worth trying. Here’s how to prepare this delight step by step.

Short History

Tongue, an ingredient that may seem intimidating, has a long tradition in gastronomy. It is appreciated in various cultures for its unique texture and rich flavor. Although it may seem like a bold choice at first glance, when prepared correctly, tongue becomes a refined and flavorful dish. A true delicacy, it is perfect for festive meals or simply when you want to impress.

Ingredients

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 pieces of pork (or beef) tongue
- 1 medium celery
- 2 bay leaves
- 5-6 allspice berries
- 2 red peppers
- 3 carrots
- 2-3 white onions
- 1 can of tomatoes in puree (about 400g)
- 1 can of tomato juice (about 400g)
- 200-300 g olives (preferably pitted)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Tongue

1. Cleaning: Start by washing the tongues well in cold water. This step is essential to remove impurities.
2. Boiling: Place the tongues in a pressure cooker along with the cleaned celery, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Add water up to the boiling level and let boil for 1 hour.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

3. Cutting the vegetables: After the tongues are boiled, drain the liquid and remove the skin and blood vessels from the tongues. Slice them thinly.
4. Vegetables: Peel the carrots, cut them into rounds, and slice the peppers and onion thinly. You can chop the garlic finely or leave it sliced, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Cooking

5. Sautéing: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil and add the onion. Sauté until it becomes glossy, then add the carrots and let them soften a bit.
6. Adding the tongue: Add the slices of tongue, peppers, and olives to the skillet. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
7. Steaming: Add a splash of the water in which you boiled the tongue (or, for a richer flavor, a glass of white wine) and let everything steam until the vegetables soften.
8. Finalizing: When the vegetables are soft, add the diced tomatoes and tomato juice. Bring to a boil, then add the slices of garlic and let it cook for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Serving

9. Preparing the mashed potatoes: In the meantime, you can prepare a simple mashed potato that will perfectly accompany this dish. Boil the potatoes, mash them, and add butter and milk to taste.
10. Serving: Serve the tongue with olives and peppers alongside the mashed potatoes, sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. It’s a combination that will impress anyone!

Practical Tips

- Tongue: If you are not used to pork tongue, you can also try beef tongue, which has a similar texture but a slightly richer flavor.
- Wine: Adding wine during cooking gives a special taste, but you can skip this step if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, to diversify the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat?: Tongue is the main ingredient in this recipe, but you can try replacing it with chicken or turkey, adjusting the cooking time.
- How do I store leftovers?: You can keep the leftover food in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
- What side dish goes well?: Besides mashed potatoes, this recipe pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of rice.

Nutritional Benefits

Pork tongue is a good source of protein and contains a significant amount of B vitamins, essential for the optimal functioning of the body. Additionally, olives add healthy fats and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

Personal Note

This recipe quickly became one of my family’s favorites, not only for its taste but also for the stories it brings to the table. Every meal becomes a special moment when we share unusual dishes, and tongue with olives is undoubtedly a choice that will bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

So, don’t be afraid to try something new! Tongue with olives and peppers is a recipe worth exploring, and the result will be a memorable meal!