Pickled pigs feet are a classic Southern delicacy.
The pickling process gives the feet a unique flavor that is savory and slightly tangy.
The texture of the feet is tender and juicy, making it a great addition to any meal.
Enjoy pickled pigs feet as an appetizer or side dish for a delicious and unique culinary experience!
What ingredients are needed to make pickled pigs feet ?
One of the most important ingredients in pickling is vinegar.
Pickled pigs feet must be soaked in a strong brine for several days to ferment.
The pickling process will kill any harmful bacteria that might be used to cause or spread disease.
The fermentation process is necessary before you can use the pickle as a food item.
The word “fermentation” means “to create or cause to develop”, and the same principle applies to pickling.
The step of fermentation gives the pickle its distinctive sour and tangy taste.
The next ingredient is salt, which is in addition to the brine that the pork feet are soaked in.
Curing spices are also required; these are used to add both flavor and color.
It is extremely important that you use only high quality spices for this recipe, as there are many mutagens which cause skin reactions in some people.
Pickled pigs feet are main component of many dishes, like pig’s feet soup and barbecue, as well as other dishes such as pepper steak, frog legs, frog legs soup, and more!
How long does it take to pickle pigs feet ?
The time required to pickle pigs feet depends on several factors.
The first factor is where you live.
If the weather is hot and humid , the feet will have to be cured longer.
The next factor is how you are going to prepare them.
If you’re making a pork and beans recipe , you can buy pickled pork feet and use them immediately in your dish.
If you are using them as an appetizer, you might want to hold off on the curing until later .
Putting those on display while they cure will make the display look quite ugly.
When making the pickled pig foot recipe , you should allow a week for proper curing prior to serving.
What is the best way to pickle pigs feet ?
The best way to pickle pigs feet is to purchase the feet with the skin still on and remove it in a single layer .
If you prefer, you can also pickle the feet without the skin.
This recipe is a simple one that uses vinegar , salt and spices to impart flavor and cause the flesh of the feet to become tender and juicy.
How much vinegar is needed for pickling pigs feet ?
The amount of vinegar that you need for a pickling recipe is dependent on the size of the feet.
If you are planning on preserving the entire foot, you may want to use more than a cup of vinegar.
One cup should be enough for about 20 feet.
Once you begin to cook the feet , the acidic juices will make it hard to add more vinegar.
You will also be adding other flavors such as salt, garlic and spices.
A smaller amount of vinegar will work in place of cooking the legs first.
The recommended amount is 2 cups of vinegar with 2 pounds of salt.
The initial amount of salt that is added will determine how salty your finished product is.
If you want it to be less salty add less salt and if you want it to be more salty add more salt .
What spices are used to make pickled pigs feet ?
Pickled pigs feet recipe.
Pigs feet are pickled in a brine that includes vinegar , sugar, spices and salt.
As you probably already know, the mixture is then placed in a jar and left to sit for several weeks.
The brine helps prevent spoilage.
The spices used in the pickling process make the meat of the pigs feet highly aromatic , adding a savory flavor but also a strong smell that is reminiscent of vinegar.
How do you store pickled pigs feet ?
Pickled pigs feet should be kept in a refrigerator.
If you plan to eat the foot within one week, simply place in a container, cover completely with pickling liquid , and refrigerate .
Leave out at room temperature for 24 hours, or even overnight if possible, before eating.
After you’ve eaten the entire jar of pickled pork feet , pickle the remaining portion in a fresh brine solution.
Place one cup of vinegar and two-thirds of fresh water into a saucepan and bring to a boil on medium heat .
Add two tablespoons of salt, one tablespoon of sugar, and one tablespoon of pickling spice to the boiling liquid .
Turn off heat and add the remainder of spices to prepare your pickle for storage.
After your jar is full , use organic canning supplies (if available) and can the food.
How long can pickled pigs feet last ?
Leftovers from a pig’s foot dish should be consumed in one day or within one week if refrigerated.
The texture and flavor of the feet will begin to deteriorate if soaked in the pickling liquid for more than 10 days.
Once the texture and flavor starts to decrease, these can be used as an ingredient in other recipes.
Does pickled pigs feet need to be cooked before eating ?
No , usually not.
The flesh of a pig is considered to be offal.
The delicacy should not be cooked prior to eating.
A common misconception is that pickled pigs feet require cooking before eating.
While the feet are technically offal, they are often eaten raw.
You can use them as finger food or just enjoy them in their fresh and natural state.
If you want to warm the feet , consider steaming or boiling.
Are there any health benefits to eating pickled pigs feet ?
No, none at all.
Pickled pigs feet are a classic Southern treat, enjoyed mostly as an appetizer, or to round out a meal.
Pickled pigs feet contain sodium and nitrates.
Sodium is salt and nitrates are found in foods like pickled pork products.
They are not associated with any negative health effects.
As with all elements in food, the amount consumed can lead to problems.
This is especially true when combined with high levels of stress and poor blood pressure management.
Because pickled pigs feet are not high in sodium, this is a safe choice for salt intake.
Pickled pigs feet should still be consumed in moderation; however, it can be enjoyed with confidence as part of your daily diet .
What side dishes go well with pickled pigs feet ?
Pickled pigs feet make great side dishes for any meal , especially with other southern favorites.
Here are some ideas:
Pig’s feet and hush puppies: For a nice contrast in texture , pair your pig’s feet with some crispy fried cornbread on the side to sop up the juices.
Hush puppies are also delicious and make a great starter dish for pork dishes.
Beans and greens: Beans and greens are classic go-to side dishes for pork dishes, so pair them with pickled pigs feet as a nice alternative to potato salad.
Mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes can be paired with most any meat dish to create a hearty meal.
Pickled pigs feet are no exception , as they will provide great flavor to the mashed potatoes.
Catfish and grits: Catfish is an excellent choice for a lighter main dish , but it can also work well as a pairing with other southern favorite sides.
Grits is popular among many people in the south, so this combination is sure to please!
Ingredients
- 6 pigs feet
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 4 chili peppers
Instructions
- Pigs’ feet should be carefully washed before being put in a big pot and filled with water. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1 12 to 2 hours, or until the pigs’ feet are soft. Skim off any foam that appears on top while they are cooking.
- Remove as many of the bones as you can before rinsing the feet in water and removing them from the cooking liquid. Cooking liquid should be discarded.
- Salt, vinegar, and water should be combined in a sizable basin. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
- In a jar, stack the pig feet with the remaining ingredients after adding half of the chopped celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and peppers.
- Cover the pigs’ feet with the vinegar mixture used for pickling. Before serving, store the jar in the refrigerator for 3 to 7 days with the cover snugly on. Cover the pigs’ feet with the vinegar mixture used for pickling. Before serving, store the jar in the refrigerator for 3 to 7 days with the cover snugly on.
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.