Hog maw may not be on your top-10 list of gourmet foods, and most people have never even tried it.đ± But when I was growing up, hog maw was a New Yearâs Day treat. We enjoyed this indulgent soul food with collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. Now hog maw is gaining popularity and is still an essential part of soul food cuisine. The âwaste not want notâ mentality uses every part of the animal possible. And this recipe is alive with vibrant color and flavor, making it the perfect place to start if this is your first time cooking it.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Hog Maw
Clean the Hog Maw
Clean â Thoroughly wash the hog maw by soaking it in vinegar, baking soda, salt, and water for about an hour. After that, rinse twice under running tap water until clean. Prepareâ Next, remove any excess fat, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a medium-sized cast-iron pot (or whatever large pot you have), completely cover it with water, and cook over medium-high heat for 60-90 minutes. Final Rinse â After cooking, rinse the hog maw one more time with fresh water, then rinse the pot and return the hog maw to the same pot.
Cook it Up
Add Veggies and Seasonings â Next, add the rest of the ingredients: onion, celery, bell peppers, garlic, thyme, Creole seasoning, beef bouillon, cayenne pepper, and water. Mix thoroughly, place the pot over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-90 minutes or until the pork is tender. Keep an Eye Out â Check the pot, occasionally stirring each time to ensure the meat doesnât stick to the bottom. Add more water if it starts getting low. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
The time it takes to clean and prepare the hog maws is so worth it. Fortunately, that prep work can be done ahead of time. First, clean them and then parboil them for 5-10 minutes. Rinse them again, then allow them to cool. Once cooled, you can freeze them for a month or two. Defrost in the fridge overnight and continue with the recipe.
Serving and Storage Instructions
This dish is best served hot off the stove. But if youâre fortunate enough to have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for three days or in the freezer for three months. Then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve With Hog Maw
Hog maw is a soul food classic that is most delicious when served with traditional soul food sides. I treat my family to Southern-style cornbread, collard greens, and Hoppinâ John for a comfort food feast. And a classic pecan pie tops things off with a bang.
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Conclusion
Make room for this hearty and healthy soul food specialty on your dinner table. Would you like more delicious soul food recipes? Follow me on YouTube for instructional videos.