Indulge in the flavors of the South with this delicious down home chitterlings recipe. Chitterlings, also known as chitlins, are a traditional Southern delicacy made from the small intestines of a pig. This recipe takes the chitterlings and transforms them into a tender, flavorful dish that will surely impress your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a truly authentic Southern experience in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds fresh chitterlings
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Hot sauce, for serving
Directions
- Rinse the chitterlings thoroughly under cold water. Remove any excess fat or residue.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chitterlings to the pot and pour in enough water to cover them completely. Add the vinegar, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 hours, or until the chitterlings are tender and cooked through.
- After 2 hours, remove the lid from the pot and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly.
- Serve the down home chitterlings hot, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and accompanied by hot sauce for those who like a bit of extra heat.
Interesting Facts
Chitterlings have been a part of Southern cooking for generations and have deep roots in African American cuisine.
The process of cleaning and preparing chitterlings can be time-consuming, but the end result is worth the effort.
Chitterlings are often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, such as New Year's Day, as they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.