Chitterlings are a traditional Southern comfort dish made from slow-cooked pig intestines, seasoned until tender and flavorful. They are often served during holidays and family gatherings.
📝 Ingredients
- 5 lbs cleaned chitterlings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 6–8 cups water
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Clean the Chitterlings
Even if they are pre-cleaned, rinse them several times under cold water.
Remove any extra fat and debris.
2️⃣ Boil First (Optional but Recommended)
Place chitterlings in a large pot with water and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
Drain and rinse again. This helps remove strong odors.
3️⃣ Cook the Chitterlings
Add the cleaned chitterlings back to a pot with fresh water.
Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, bay leaf, and vinegar.
4️⃣ Simmer Slowly
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 2½–3 hours, until tender.
5️⃣ Cut and Serve
Remove from the pot and cut into small pieces if needed.
Serve hot.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Chitterlings are often served with:
- Collard Greens
- Cornbread
- Hot Sauce
