Piftie (Romanian Jellied Meat)

Discover the traditional flavors of Romanian cuisine with Piftie, a savory dish of jellied meat, typically prepared during the holiday season. Rich in aroma and comforting in texture, Piftie is perfect as an appetizer or a festive treat that brings family and friends together.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork trotters (or a mix of pork feet and pork hock)
• 1 pork ear or smoked ham hock (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 large onion, peeled
• 1 large carrot, peeled
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 6-8 whole peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• Water (enough to cover the meat)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat

   Rinse the pork trotters and any additional cuts under cold water. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

2. Add Aromatics

   Add the whole onion, carrot, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Simmer gently for 4-5 hours, until the meat is very tender and beginning to fall off the bone.

3. Add Garlic

   About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the minced garlic for flavor.

4. Strain and Cool

   Remove the meat from the broth. Strain the liquid to remove any impurities. Pick the meat off the bones and chop into small pieces. Arrange the meat in a shallow dish or mold. Pour the strained broth over the meat until it is fully covered.

5. Set the Piftie

   Let the Piftie cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight until it sets into a jelly.

6. Serve

   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve cold as an appetizer. Piftie pairs wonderfully with fresh bread and pickled vegetables.

Serving

Savor the delicate flavors and traditional charm of Piftie - a Romanian classic that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort and festive celebrations.