Homemade Souse Recipe

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 pounds of pork shoulder or pork belly
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and sugar, to taste
• 2 cups of water

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 4 hours (including soaking and cooking time)
• Preparation Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 3 hours

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl or container, soak the pork in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove any impurities.
2. Drain the water from the pork and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large pot, combine the pork, vinegar, soy sauce, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, oregano, and water. Season with salt and sugar.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 3 hours or until the pork is tender and fully cooked.
5. Remove the pork from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the pork into thin strips.
6. Return the pork to the pot with the cooking liquid and let it soak for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
7. Serve chilled as a condiment or as a side dish with sandwiches or salads.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Approximately 300 calories per serving (depending on the amount of added sugar and salt)
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Traditional American flavor profile, with a balance of sour, salty, and savory flavors.
• The dish is hearty and makes a great accompaniment to sandwiches or as a standalone condiments for cold meals.
• The dish has a rich and complex flavor that improves with time as the pork soaks in the cooking liquid.

User Comments:

1. "This souse was delicious! The flavors were well-balanced and the pork was tender and juicy."
2. "I made this souse for a party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the traditional flavor and the fact that it was homemade."
3. "This recipe is easy to follow and the result is well worth the wait. The souse is a great addition to any meal."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use fresh pork that is not frozen for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, adding more salt or sugar if needed.
• Soaking the pork in the cooking liquid for several hours or overnight enhances the flavor of the souse. Do not skip this step.