Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that's perfect for a cozy night in? Look no further than this crock pot pigs feet recipe! This dish is a delicious example of homemade cooking at its finest, transforming humble ingredients into a truly satisfying and healthy meal. It's a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas, and even beginner cooks will find this recipe incredibly approachable.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pigs feet, cleaned and trimmed (you can often find these pre-trimmed at your butcher)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Pat the pigs feet dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better if you choose to brown them before slow cooking (see tips below).
- In a large skillet (if browning), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pigs feet on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
Crock Pot Magic:
- Place the browned (or unbrowned) pigs feet in your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, and thyme.
- Season generously with salt. Remember you can always add more later, but it's harder to take it away!
Cooking Time:
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pigs feet are incredibly tender and easily fall off the bone. The longer they cook, the more tender they become.
Serving Suggestions:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the pigs feet from the slow cooker. Let them cool slightly before separating the meat from the bone.
- Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid. You can use this flavorful broth as a base for soup or gravy.
- Serve the tender pigs feet meat on its own, with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. Garnish generously with fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- Browning the pigs feet: Browning them adds a lovely depth of flavour. If you skip this step, it’s perfectly fine, but the finished product may lack the slightly crispy edges.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other root vegetables like turnips or parsnips.
- Make it a stew: Thicken the cooking liquid with a cornstarch slurry for a heartier stew.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used, but a reasonable estimate for a serving is approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
This delicious pigs feet recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a weekend feast, a weeknight dinner, or even meal prep. Enjoy this easy and healthy recipe and let us know what you think!