Pigs Feet Recipe: Delicious and Easy Ways to Cook Them

Let's talk pigs' feet. I know, I know, not exactly the most glamorous ingredient, but trust me on this. Pigs' feet are actually incredibly versatile and can be transformed into some seriously delicious dishes. I've been cooking with them for years, and I've learned a thing or two along the way. So, if you're up for a culinary adventure and want to try something a bit different, I'm here to guide you through the world of pigs' feet. Let's get cooking!

(Part 1) The Pigs' Feet Primer: Everything You Need to Know

Firstly, let's bust some myths. Pigs' feet aren't just for making jellied pigs' feet, you know. They can be roasted, braised, fried, or even simmered into a rich and flavorful broth. The key is to prepare them properly and cook them until they're tender and succulent. Think of them as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into something amazing.

Choosing the Right Pigs' Feet

When you're at the butcher's, look for pigs' feet that are fresh and have a slightly pinkish hue. Avoid any feet that are discolored or have a strong odour. Think of it like picking out fresh produce – you want the best quality for the tastiest results. Most butchers are happy to trim them for you, removing any excess hair or skin, making them easier to handle. Trust me, you'll thank me later!

Preparing Pigs' Feet for Cooking

Before you start cooking, you need to give your pigs' feet a little TLC.

• Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. Think of it like washing your veggies before you cook them. It's a crucial step for ensuring a clean and flavorful dish.
• Score the skin with a sharp knife to help them cook more evenly. Scoring the skin allows the heat to penetrate better, making for a more tender and flavorful result. Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds. Just make a few shallow cuts across the skin.
• Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and rinse again. This helps to remove any impurities and makes the skin more tender. Blanching is like giving your pigs' feet a quick hot bath, which helps to firm up the skin and remove any residual impurities.

Once they're prepped, you're ready to cook them up!

(Part 2) The Classic: Jellied Pigs' Feet

Let's start with the quintessential pigs' feet dish – jellied pigs' feet. It's a traditional comfort food, perfect for a cold day. It's surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a wonderfully wobbly, savory delicacy. The key is to cook the feet until they're fall-off-the-bone tender, then strain the resulting broth and let it set in the fridge. It's a simple process that yields a delicious reward.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of pigs' feet
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pigs' feet, onion, carrots, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt. This is where the magic happens! The flavors will infuse the broth as the pigs' feet cook.

2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients. You want to make sure the pigs' feet are completely submerged in the water.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is very tender. This is a slow and steady process that allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.

4. Remove the pigs' feet from the pot and let cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle.

5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or muslin. This step is essential for removing any solids and creating a clear and flavorful broth.

6. Discard the solids and pour the broth into a shallow dish. You can use any kind of dish, but a shallow dish will help the broth set more evenly.

7. Refrigerate for several hours, or until the broth sets. Patience is key here! The broth will solidify as it chills, creating the signature wobbly texture of jellied pigs' feet.

Serving Suggestion

Jellied pigs' feet are best served cold and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch. They're delicious with a dollop of mustard or a squeeze of lemon. You can even add some diced vegetables or herbs to the broth before it sets. Experiment and find what you like best!

(Part 3) Pigs' Feet Braised in Wine

If you're looking for a more flavorful and luxurious way to cook pigs' feet, try braising them in wine. The combination of wine and herbs creates a rich and aromatic sauce that complements the tender meat perfectly. This is a dish that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of pigs' feet
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 cup of dry red wine
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Get your oven ready to work its magic!

2. In a large dutch oven or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This will give the pigs' feet a lovely golden brown color.

3. Add the pigs' feet and brown them on all sides. Make sure to cook them evenly on all sides for a beautiful and flavorful dish.

4. Remove the pigs' feet from the pot and set aside. Let them rest while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

5. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened. This creates a base for the flavorful sauce.

6. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, red wine, and chicken broth. These flavors will infuse the dish and create a truly decadent sauce.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and create a rich, aromatic sauce.

8. Return the pigs' feet to the pot, making sure they're submerged in the liquid. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

9. Cover the pot tightly and transfer it to the oven. Let the oven do its thing!

10. Braise for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Patience is key here! The braising process will tenderize the meat and create a truly unforgettable dish.

11. Remove the pot from the oven and let cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle.

12. Transfer the pigs' feet to a serving platter and spoon the sauce over them. This is the moment you've been waiting for!

13. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestion

Braised pigs' feet are absolutely fantastic served with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a simple green salad. The sauce is rich and flavorful, so don't be afraid to mop up every last drop with some crusty bread. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner with loved ones.

(Part 4) Pigs' Feet Fried to Perfection

For a quick and easy snack or appetizer, try frying pigs' feet. It's a bit of a messy process, but the results are totally worth it. The crispy skin and juicy meat are a match made in heaven. You can even experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize your fried pigs' feet. This is a dish that's perfect for a game day party or a casual get-together.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of pigs' feet
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Create a flavorful coating for your pigs' feet.

2. Dredge the pigs' feet in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. This ensures that they're crispy and golden brown when they're fried.

3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough so the pigs' feet cook quickly and develop a beautiful crispy texture.

4. Carefully add the pigs' feet to the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crispy skin.

5. Remove the pigs' feet from the skillet and drain on paper towels. This removes excess oil and helps them to stay crispy.

6. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestion

Fried pigs' feet are best enjoyed hot and fresh. They're great on their own, or you can pair them with a dipping sauce like mustard, hot sauce, or a spicy mayo. Don't forget to have some napkins handy because these are finger-licking good!

(Part 5) Pigs' Feet in a Hearty Stew

For a comforting and satisfying meal, try making a hearty stew with pigs' feet. They add a rich flavor and a surprising amount of collagen to the stew, making it extra flavorful and filling. This is a dish that will warm you up on a cold day and leave you feeling content.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of pigs' feet
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Get your pot ready for a symphony of flavors.

2. Add the pigs' feet and brown them on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the stew and create a beautiful base for the other ingredients.

3. Remove the pigs' feet from the pot and set aside. Let them rest while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

4. Add the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened. This will add a sweetness and depth of flavor to the stew.

5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. These flavors will blend together to create a truly satisfying stew.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.

7. Return the pigs' feet to the pot, making sure they're submerged in the liquid. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.

8. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is very tender. The slow simmering process will transform the pigs' feet into melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

9. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread. This is a dish that's best enjoyed on a cold day.

Serving Suggestion

This hearty stew is perfect for a cold winter evening. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and enjoy its rich and comforting flavors. You can even add some vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or beans to the stew for extra substance. This is a dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

(Part 6) Pigs' Feet in a Savory Soup

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a soup with pigs' feet. It might sound unusual, but the result is a rich and flavorful soup with a creamy texture that will surprise you. This is a dish that's perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of pigs' feet
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the pigs' feet, onion, carrots, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf, and salt. This is the base for a flavorful and comforting soup.

2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients. Make sure the pigs' feet are completely submerged in water.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is very tender. This is the key to creating a truly tender and flavorful soup.

4. Remove the pigs' feet from the pot and let cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle.

5. Remove the meat from the bones and shred it. This will ensure that the meat is evenly distributed in the soup.

6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or muslin. This will remove any solids and create a clear and flavorful broth.

7. Discard the solids and return the broth to the pot. You'll have a beautiful, clear broth ready to be transformed into a delicious soup.

8. Bring the broth to a simmer and add the shredded meat. This will add a richness and depth of flavor to the soup.

9. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 5 minutes. The heavy cream will add a creamy texture and a touch of luxury to the soup.

10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. A touch of parsley adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the soup.

Serving Suggestion

This soup is incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cold day. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and enjoy its rich and creamy texture. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes, beans, or greens to the soup for extra flavor and substance. This is a dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

(Part 7) Pigs' Feet: A Culinary Treasure

As you can see, pigs' feet are a versatile and delicious ingredient that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, there's a pigs' feet recipe out there for you. So, be adventurous, explore the possibilities, and discover the culinary treasures that pigs' feet have to offer!

(Part 8) FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are pigs' feet safe to eat?

Yes, pigs' feet are safe to eat. They are a good source of protein and collagen and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. However, as with any meat, it's important to cook pigs' feet thoroughly to kill any bacteria. Just make sure they're cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. What do pigs' feet taste like?

The taste of pigs' feet can vary depending on how they are prepared, but in general, they have a mild, slightly sweet flavour. The meat is also very tender and gelatinous, which gives it a unique texture. Think of it like a cross between chicken and pork, with a slightly firmer texture.

3. How do you know when pigs' feet are cooked?

Pigs' feet are cooked when the meat is very tender and can easily be pulled off the bone. You can also tell by the way they look – they should be a pale pink color and have a slightly translucent appearance. If you can't easily pull the meat off the bone, they need to cook a little longer.

4. What can you do with leftover pigs' feet?

Leftover pigs' feet can be used in a variety of dishes. You can add them to soups, stews, or casseroles, or you can use them to make a rich and flavorful broth. You can even refrigerate them and enjoy them cold as a snack or appetizer. They're also great for adding a unique texture and flavor to sandwiches and salads.

5. Where can I buy pigs' feet?

Pigs' feet can be found at most butcher shops and some supermarkets. You can also order them online from a variety of vendors. If you're having trouble finding them, ask your butcher if they can order them for you.