Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish? Look no further than slow cooker pigs feet! This recipe transforms humble pigs feet into a melt-in-your-mouth culinary masterpiece, perfect for a cozy night in or a unique addition to your next gathering. This recipe offers a delicious and healthy meal using simple ingredients, making it perfect for homemade cooking and busy weeknights. Forget complicated recipes; this is a quick dinner idea that's surprisingly easy and delivers big on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pigs feet, cleaned and trimmed
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tenderness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pigs Feet
Rinse the pigs feet thoroughly under cold water. Trim away any excess fat or unwanted pieces. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor.
Step 2: Slow Cooker Magic
Place the prepared pigs feet in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Pour in the chicken broth, add bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme, and salt. If using, stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pigs feet are incredibly tender and easily pull apart. The longer they cook, the more tender they become. Check the tenderness after 6 hours if using high setting.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, remove the pigs feet from the slow cooker. You can shred the meat from the bones using two forks, discarding the bones. Strain the cooking liquid and use it as a flavorful broth for dipping or as a base for soup. Serve the shredded pigs feet hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pigs Feet:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: While this recipe uses bone-in pigs feet for maximum flavor, you can adapt it for boneless pigs feet if you prefer, though the cooking time may be slightly shorter.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices! Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of hot sauce, or some fresh rosemary for a unique twist.
- Making it a Meal: Serve the shredded pigs feet over rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for a heartier meal. The flavorful cooking liquid also makes an excellent soup base.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and quantities you used. However, generally, pigs feet are a good source of protein and collagen.
Beyond the Recipe: More Delicious Dishes
This recipe is just the beginning! Explore other easy recipes and healthy meals on our blog. We’re always adding new quick dinner ideas and best recipes to make your cooking adventures easier and more delicious. From simple weeknight meals to special occasion dishes, we've got something for everyone. Discover your next culinary favorite with our collection of delicious dishes.