Discover how to make Piftie, a traditional Romanian jellied meat dish. This flavorful recipe features tender pork, seasoned with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, set in a savory gelatin. Perfect for festive occasions or a hearty meal, this Piftie recipe will guide you through each step to create this delicious and unique dish.

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs pork (legs or shoulder), cut into chunks

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

- 2 tablespoons salt

- 1/4 cup vinegar

- 1 packet (about 1 oz) unflavored gelatin

- 6 cups water

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork:

  - Place the pork chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Simmer:

  - Reduce heat to low, add the bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, salt, and onion. Simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.

Strain and Cool:

  - Remove the pork from the pot and set aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the solids. Allow the broth to cool slightly.

Add Gelatin:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the dissolved gelatin to the warm broth and stir well until completely dissolved.

Shred the Pork:

  - Shred the cooked pork into small pieces. Place the shredded pork and minced garlic into a mold or dish of your choice.

Pour Broth:

  - Pour the gelatinized broth over the pork, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Serve:

  - Once set, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled as an appetizer or main course.

Enjoy your homemade Piftie, a delightful jellied pork dish that brings a taste of Romanian tradition to your table!

Nutritional Values

Pork (Legs or Shoulder)

- Calories: About 242 per 3 oz cooked

- Protein: 22g

- Fat: 17g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Pork is a rich source of protein, which supports muscle growth and repair. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (B12, B6, and niacin) and zinc, crucial for energy production and immune function.

Garlic

- Calories: 4 per clove

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also has antimicrobial properties and may support immune health.

Onion

- Calories: 45 per 100g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 11g

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C. They can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve digestion.

Bay Leaves

- Calories: 313 per 100g (used in much smaller quantities)

- Protein: 7g

- Fat: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 75g

Benefits: Bay leaves contain essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may aid in digestion and have been traditionally used to relieve symptoms of respiratory and digestive issues.

Thyme

- Calories: 101 per 100g

- Protein: 5g

- Fat: 1.7g

- Carbohydrates: 24g

Benefits: Thyme is rich in antioxidants and essential oils. It has antimicrobial properties and can help with respiratory infections and digestive problems.

Black Peppercorns

- Calories: 255 per 100g

- Protein: 10g

- Fat: 3g

- Carbohydrates: 64g

Benefits: Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances the absorption of other nutrients and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may support digestive health and improve metabolic performance.

Salt

- Calories: 0

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, it should be used in moderation to prevent high blood pressure and other health issues.

Vinegar

- Calories: 3 per tablespoon

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Vinegar has been shown to have potential benefits for blood sugar control and weight management. It also adds flavor without adding significant calories or fat.

Unflavored Gelatin

- Calories: 20 per tablespoon

- Protein: 5g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Gelatin is a good source of protein and collagen, which supports skin health, joint function, and gut health. It can also help with tissue repair and improve overall skin elasticity.

Each ingredient in Piftie contributes to both its flavor and nutritional profile, making it a hearty and beneficial dish when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.