Lamb stew with olives and sauce

Pork Tongue with Olives and Sauce - a Delicious and Comforting Recipe

When it comes to traditional dishes, pork tongue with olives and sauce is like a warm hug from grandma. This flavorful and aromatic recipe not only offers a unique culinary experience but also an opportunity to explore rich culinary traditions. In this detailed guide, I will walk you step by step through the preparation process, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients, so you can achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 3 pieces of pork tongue (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 50 g black olives
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley or parsnip
- 1 onion
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 slice of white bread
- 1 lemon
- 2 bell peppers (red and green)
- 50 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or yogurt
- a few sprigs of fresh parsley
- salt, pepper (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the tongue: Start by washing the pork tongue well under cold running water. It is recommended to soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes before boiling to remove impurities. This is an important step to achieve clean and tasty meat.

2. Boiling the tongue: Place the tongue in a large pot with 4 liters of cold water and add a little salt. Heat on low, allowing the water to gradually reach boiling point. It is essential to remove the foam that forms on the surface as soon as the water starts to boil.

3. Adding the vegetables: Cover the pot with a lid and let the tongue boil for about 1 hour and a half. As the tongue becomes almost tender, add the onion, carrot, parsley or parsnip whole, and a little salt. Continue to boil for another 30 minutes on low heat.

4. Preparing the sauce: While the tongue is boiling, it's time to prepare the sauce. In a blender cup, add the peeled and chopped garlic, egg yolk, mustard, juice from half a lemon, and the squeezed bread. Add the oil and season with salt and pepper. Blend everything for 15-20 seconds until you get a smooth paste.

5. Finalizing the sauce: Add the sour cream or yogurt to the blender mixture and gently mix with a spoon. You can adjust the taste of the sauce with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper, depending on your preferences.

6. Cleaning and slicing the tongue: Once the tongue is well boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off the outer skin, which will come off easily. Slice the tongue into thin pieces about 2-3 mm thick.

7. Serving the dish: Arrange the slices of tongue around the edge of a platter and pour the sauce in the middle. Garnish with thin strips of red and green bell peppers, lemon slices, and sliced olives, from which you have removed the pits.

8. Plating: When serving, place the slices of tongue on each plate, the sauce from the platter, olives, and strips of red and green bell peppers. You can sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh parsley on top for a more colorful and aromatic presentation.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the tongue: Make sure to choose a fresh pork tongue, with a uniform color and no spots. This will influence the final taste of the dish.
- Varying the sauce: You can experiment with various ingredients in the sauce, adding herbs like dill or basil, or you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of mashed potatoes. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine complements the meal wonderfully.

Nutritional benefits:
Pork tongue is an excellent source of protein and contains a good dose of B vitamins, essential for the health of the nervous system. Olives add healthy fats, and garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Calories:
A serving of pork tongue with olives and sauce contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of sauce and side used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use beef tongue instead of pork tongue?
Yes, you can substitute pork tongue with beef tongue, but the boiling time may vary slightly.
2. How can I store leftover tongue?
Cooked tongue can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.
3. What other sauces can I try?
You can adapt your sauce with various gourmet mustards or flavored yogurt-based sauces.

This recipe for pork tongue with olives and sauce is not just a delicious meal but also a way to bring family and friends together at the table. Whether you enjoy it on a special occasion or as a weekend dinner, the dish is sure to impress. Enjoy your meal!