Souse is a flavorful and tangy dish typically made with pig trotters or chicken, marinated in a spicy vinegar mixture. The recipe involves boiling the meat until tender, then soaking it in a brine made from vinegar, lime juice, hot peppers, onions, and various spices. The result is a zesty, pickled dish that can be served cold or at room temperature, often accompanied by bread or rice.

The origins of souse can be traced back to the Caribbean, where it has been a traditional dish for centuries. It is particularly popular in countries like Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Bahamas. The dish likely evolved from African and European culinary traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans and European colonizers. Over time, souse became a staple in Caribbean cuisine, valued for its flavorful preservation method and use of inexpensive cuts of meat. Its preparation and ingredients can vary widely by region, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the Caribbean.

Ingredients:

- 2 pounds pig trotters or chicken

- 2 cups white vinegar

- 1 cup lime juice

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 1-2 hot peppers, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

- 2 teaspoons salt

- 1 teaspoon ground allspice

- 2 bay leaves

- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

- Water

Method of Preparation:

Prepare the Meat:

  - Clean and wash the pig trotters or chicken thoroughly.

  - Place the meat in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender (about 1-2 hours for pig trotters, 30-40 minutes for chicken).

  - Remove the meat from the pot, drain, and let cool. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Marinade:

  - In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, lime juice, sliced onion, chopped hot peppers, minced garlic, black peppercorns, salt, ground allspice, and bay leaves.

Marinate the Meat:

  - Add the cooled meat pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged.

  - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve:

  - Before serving, stir the souse well. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.

  - Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

  - Serve chilled or at room temperature, often with bread or rice.

Enjoy your flavorful and tangy souse!

Nutrition Value:

2 pounds pig trotters or chicken

Calories: 

   - Pig trotters: 1,650 calories

   - Chicken (without skin): 900 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Protein: 

   - Pig trotters: 115g

   - Chicken: 120g

Fat: 

   - Pig trotters: 135g

   - Chicken: 20g

  - Sodium: Variable, depending on added salt during cooking

Cholesterol: 

   - Pig trotters: 450mg

   - Chicken: 440mg

  - Vitamins: B-vitamins, especially niacin and B12

  - Minerals: Iron, zinc, phosphorus

Benefit: High in protein, essential amino acids, and collagen (pig trotters), supports muscle repair and overall health.

2 cups white vinegar

  - Calories: 40 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: ~10mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None significant

  - Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium and potassium

Benefit: Acts as a preservative, aids in digestion, and has antimicrobial properties.

1 cup lime juice

  - Calories: 60 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 20g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: High in Vitamin C

  - Minerals: Potassium, small amounts of calcium and magnesium

Benefit: Boosts immunity, aids in digestion, and provides antioxidants.

4.1 large onion, thinly sliced

  - Calories: 60 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 14g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: ~5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6

  - Minerals: Potassium, manganese

Benefit: Supports heart health, provides antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1-2 hot peppers, finely chopped

  - Calories: 18 calories (for 2 medium peppers)

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: ~5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A

  - Minerals: Potassium

Benefit: Boosts metabolism, provides antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

4 cloves garlic, minced

  - Calories: 20 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6

  - Minerals: Manganese, selenium

Benefit: Supports immune function, has antimicrobial properties, and may help reduce blood pressure.

1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

  - Calories: 16 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin K

  - Minerals: Iron, manganese

Benefit: Enhances nutrient absorption, provides antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

2 teaspoons salt

  - Calories: 0 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: ~4,600mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Sodium

Benefit: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function but should be used in moderation to avoid high blood pressure.

1 teaspoon ground allspice

  - Calories: 6 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin C

  - Minerals: Manganese, iron

Benefit: Provides antioxidants, supports digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

2 bay leaves

  - Calories: ~6 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: ~2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C

  - Minerals: Calcium, magnesium

Benefit: Adds flavor, supports digestion, and has antimicrobial properties.

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

  - Calories: 1 calorie per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A (for cilantro)

  - Minerals: Potassium, calcium

Benefit: Adds freshness and color, rich in antioxidants, and supports overall health.

Water

  - Calories: 0 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

Benefit: Essential for hydration, supports all bodily functions.