Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 pig's trotters
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups of apple cider
- 2 cups of chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Rinse the pig's trotters under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
4. Add the pig's trotters to the pot and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the trotters from the pot and set them aside.
6. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
7. Add the apple cider, chicken stock, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Return the pig's trotters to the pot and bring the liquid to a simmer.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 2-3 hours until the trotters are tender and the meat falls off the bone.
11. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
12. Carefully remove the pig's trotters from the pot and place them on a serving platter.
13. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids.
14. Pour the cooking liquid over the pig's trotters and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Total fat: 25g
Saturated fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use beef or lamb trotters instead of pig's trotters.
- You can use white wine instead of apple cider.
- You can use beef or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Variations:
- You can add chopped apples or pears to the pot for a fruity twist.
- You can add chopped bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
- You can add chopped mushrooms or leeks for a savory touch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the pig's trotters well before braising them to develop a rich flavor.
- If the cooking liquid is too thin, you can thicken it with a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- You can serve the pig's trotters with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover pig's trotters and cooking liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pig's trotters and cooking liquid in a covered pot over low heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pig's trotters on a large platter with the cooking liquid poured over them.
- Garnish the pig's trotters with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or chives
Pairings:
- Serve the pig's trotters with a glass of apple cider or a full-bodied red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted root vegetables
- Crusty bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pig's trotters are tough, they need to be cooked longer. Return them to the oven and check them every 30 minutes until they are tender.
- If the cooking liquid is too salty, dilute it with more chicken stock or water.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to handle the pig's trotters safely and wash your hands and utensils thoroughly after handling them.
- Cook the pig's trotters to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
- Braised pig's trotters are a traditional dish in many cultures, including French, Chinese, and Southern American cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- The pig's trotters are rich and savory, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor from the apple cider.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pig's trotters as a main course for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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