Pork caltabos with liver

Pork and Liver Caltabos - A Traditional Delicacy

Pork and liver caltabos is a traditional recipe that brings a touch of rusticity and warmth to every meal. This preparation is more than just a simple recipe; it is a flavorful story, a memory of festive meals and moments spent with loved ones. Caltabos can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, being a versatile preparation full of flavor.

Total preparation time: 4 hours
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 700 g ground pork
- 500 g lean pork (fat-free thigh, muscle)
- 500 g pork liver
- 300-350 g bacon
- 100 g rice
- 1.5-2 m thicker casings or 0.5 m crinkled casings
- 2 large onions
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 50 g greens (celery, parsley, parsnip)
- 4-5 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped herbs (dill and parsley)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 7-8 bay leaves
- 10-15 peppercorns
- salt to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Liver: Start by boiling the pork liver in 2 liters of cold water with a little salt and greens. Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until tender but not overcooked. This is an essential step as the liver will add a deep flavor to the mixture.

2. Preparing the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes in cold water. This step ensures that the rice will not be sticky and will incorporate perfectly into the final mixture.

3. Sautéing the Onions: Peel and finely chop the onions. In a non-stick skillet, add 4-5 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onions over medium heat. Once golden, add the drained rice, chopped herbs, sweet paprika, and ground pepper. Sauté everything for 7-8 minutes, stirring constantly until the rice absorbs the flavors and becomes slightly translucent.

4. Preparing the Mixture: In a blender or meat grinder, finely chop the lean meat, bacon, garlic, and boiled liver. Then, place all the ingredients in a large bowl. Add the sautéed rice mixture and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Filling the Casings: Soak the casings in warm water to make them easier to fill. Use a special funnel for filling sausages or, if you don’t have one, you can fill the casings manually, as with stuffed peppers. Be careful not to overfill them and to prick them in several places to allow air to escape.

6. Boiling the Caltabos: In a large pot, add 4-5 liters of water, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves (you can also use the water you rinsed the bowl with). When the water starts to boil, slowly immerse the caltabos. Make sure to prick them in several places to avoid bursting during boiling. Let them simmer on low heat for about 90 minutes.

7. Cooling and Serving: After boiling, let the caltabos cool in the water. They can be served hot, fried, alongside polenta and the broth they were boiled in, or smoked. They are delicious with mustard and pickles, making them ideal for a festive meal.

Tips and Tricks

- Quality of Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality meat to achieve a tasty caltabos. The bacon should have a higher fat content to add juiciness.

- Variations: You can add your favorite spices or herbs, such as coriander, fennel, or sage, to give a personal twist to the recipe.

- Creative Serving: Try serving caltabos with a cabbage salad or potato salad to add freshness to the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Pork and liver caltabos is a rich source of protein and essential vitamins, especially B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism. Additionally, liver is an excellent source of iron, essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How long can caltabos be stored? Caltabos can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and in the freezer, they can last up to 3 months.

- Can I use other types of meat? Certainly! You can experiment with beef or even chicken, adjusting the proportions of the ingredients.

Conclusion

Preparing pork and liver caltabos is an activity that brings family and friends together around the table, offering them a tasty and satisfying dish. With every bite, you will feel the tradition and love behind this recipe. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and create unforgettable moments around the table! Enjoy your meal!