The pigs feet is a common and popular food item in many countries around the world. It is often used as a cut of pork and used in various dishes around the world. It is also known by some other names such as pig’s trotter, pettitoe etc. And this food item experienced a resurgence in the late 2000s.
In most restaurants, the trotters are cleaned before sale. The feet typically have the hairs and cleaning process is done by pulling the hairs with a hot tank and beaters. After the Great Recession, pigs feet became more popular in the United Kingdom. It became more popular because general people started cooking more affordable meat dishes to save some money. However, read more information about pig feet below.
Do Pigs Have Feet?
No, pigs actually don’t have feet like humans do. Rather, they have hooves, which are hard and cloven (split into two parts). And these hooves are often referred to as “pig feet”.
What Is Pigs Feet?
As we have mentioned above, pigs don’t have feet. They have hooves and those hooves are often referred to as “pig feet”. Pigs feet is also known as pigs trotters, and they are the lower parts of a pig’s legs (including the hoof, skin, and sometimes the bone and fat). The pigs feet are considered as a type of offal or organ meat and are often used in cooking (especially in traditional dishes). You can enjoy the feet boiled, braised, or cooked in soups and stews, where the long cooking time helps to soften the tough meat and release rich flavors. It is a very old and popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
What Are The Uses Of Pigs Feet?
The pigs feet are often used in cooking to make stocks, as they add thickness to gravy. Although, the feet are also served as a normal cut of meat. It is popular in many countries around the world. For example, in Puerto Rico, a tomato-based stew of pigs feet with chickpeas is called patitas de cerdo. Potatoes or butternut are also added sometimes. British chef Marco Pierre White has long served pig feet at his restaurants (based on the original recipe of mentor Pierre Koffmann).
Pigs feet are salted and boiled and served as syltelabb in Norwegian tradition. Syltelabb is a pre-Christmas dish because the pig was slaughtered before Christmas, and everything was used. Today, syltelabb is for enthusiasts.
How To Cook Pig Feet?
Pig feet can be cooked in many different ways. You can enjoy this food item either boiled, braised, or cooked in soups and stews. For cooking the pig feet, first of all rinse them well and boil for 10 around minutes for removing impurities. Then simmer the feet in fresh water with onion, garlic, bay leaves, and do seasoning for 2-4 hours until tender. You can also add some vegetables or vinegar to help tenderize the meat. Once cooked, serve as it is, or pan-fry for a crispy finish. However, you should follow the cooking ways as per your personal preference.
Pig Feet Recipe
There are numerous traditional and modern recipes available to try the pig feet. Some most common and popular pig feet recipes are:
- Braised Pig Feet (Chinese Style)
- Pigs Trotters with Peas (Caribbean Style)
- Pig Feet Soup (Soul Food)
- Pickled Pig Feet
- Pigs Feet Stew (Southern Style)
- Pigs Feet with Sauerkraut (German Style)
- Deep-Fried Pig Feet
Pickled Pigs Feet
Making pickled pigs feet is relatively easy and simple. First cook the pig feet until tender, and then soak them in a tangy brine made of vinegar, water, garlic, onions, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and required spices. After cooling, place the pig feet in a jar and cover with the brine, where they sit for 2-3 days in the fridge to absorb the flavors. And then you can serve the pickled pig feet. It is a flavorful, tangy treat and you can serve it as a snack or appetizer.
Any Pickled Pigs Feet Near Me?
You can search your local grocery stores and also some online store in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People often ask several questions related to pigs feet. Here we are trying to list the most common and frequently asked questions related to pig feet. Hope these questions and answer will help you. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions.
How do you cook pigs feet?
Actually, you can cook pigs feet in many different ways. There are many different traditional and modern recipes available throughout the world to try. Clean the feet thoroughly, and then you can boil, simmer, or braise them as per your preference. A most common and popular pig feet cooking method is to simmer them for several hours or until tender. And finally, you can add seasoning, vegetables, and spices to enhance the flavor.
How long to cook pig feet on stove top?
The pig feet typically need to simmer for about 2-4 hours on the stove top until they become tender. Check them periodically and add water if it evaporates.
How long to boil pig feet?
Depends on your purpose of boiling. Generally boiling pig feet for removing impurities. usually takes about 10-15 minutes. And then you can reduce the heat and simmer for several hours to make them tender and flavorful.
How to prepare pigs feet?
Preparing pig feet is relatively easy and simple. First rinse the feet under cold water for removing any dirt. Then boil them to remove impurities. And finally start cooking by simmering or braising them with your desired seasonings and spices.
How long does it take to cook pig feet?
Exact time of cooking depends on the cooking method. Generally cooking pig feet takes about 2-4 hours on low heat, depending upon the method you choose. And sometimes it may take longer if you are braising them for extra flavor and tenderness.
What do pigs feet taste like?
Pigs feet actually taste very good. They have a rich, savory taste with slightly gelatinous texture due to the high collagen content. The flavor is subtle but takes on the seasonings and the spices you cook with (making them tender and flavorful).
How to clean pigs feet?
This is the most important part of enjoying pig feet. Rinse the feet under cold water for removing dirt and debris. You can use a torch or a razor blade to scrape it off, if there is any remaining hair. And finally boil the feet for about 10 minutes to remove any scum or impurities.
