What is Zampone?
Zampone is a traditional Italian dish that originates from Modena, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is made by stuffing a pig’s trotter with a mixture of ground pork meat, pork rind, and a blend of herbs and spices. The result is a hearty and savory dish that is typically served alongside lentils or creamy mashed potatoes.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pig’s trotter
- 500g ground pork
- 100g pork rind
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup white wine
How to Prepare Zampone:
1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the pig’s trotter, removing any excess hair and debris. Make sure it is fully defrosted if purchased frozen.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, pork rind, chopped onion, minced garlic, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, salt, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Carefully stuff the mixture into the pig’s trotter, ensuring it is tightly packed. Use kitchen twine to securely tie the trotter closed.
4. Place the zampone in a large pot and cover it with cold water and white wine. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the zampone from the pot and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Remove the kitchen twine and slice it into thick pieces.
6. Serve the zampone alongside lentils or creamy mashed potatoes for a traditional Italian feast.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the cooking liquid.
- Ensure the pig’s trotter is fully defrosted and at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Mastering the art of cooking Zampone takes time and practice, but the end result is well worth the effort. By following these steps and adding your own personal touch, you can create a mouthwatering Italian delicacy that will impress friends and family alike. So, don your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure through the flavors of Italy.